Draw up a joint parenting or care agreement

Draw up a joint parenting or care agreement in the United Kingdom: how does it work?

After a divorce or separation, parents often face the question of how to arrange joint responsibility for their child without unnecessary conflict. A parenting agreement is an informal or formal document in which parents agree on the main aspects of raising a child: living arrangements, education, visits, holidays, expenses and important decisions.

The legal marketplace Consultant helps parents in the United Kingdom to draw up a clear, balanced and legally enforceable agreement that takes into account the needs of both parties and, most importantly, the interests of the child.

How to conclude a parenting agreement without going to court?

It is best to agree on child care out of court. Such an agreement, even if not legally binding, is often voluntarily enforced if it is clear and fair.

Consultant's lawyers help:

• conduct negotiations between parents (through a mediator if necessary);
• determine the main points of the agreement (contact details, holidays, travel, education, expenses);
• put the agreement into a structured written document.

This avoids expensive and lengthy court proceedings and lays the foundation for stable communication between parents.

What does a joint parenting agreement include?

A well-drafted parenting agreement covers:

• the child's schedule with each parent;
• the procedure for communication between the child and the parent who does not live with them permanently;
• rules regarding education, medical issues, leisure activities, religion;
• agreements on child maintenance;
• the method of resolving future disputes.

Lawyers help to anticipate all the details, including provisions in the event of one parent moving or new circumstances arising. At the request of our clients, we can prepare a court application for the agreement to be approved as a binding child arrangements order.

Can a parenting agreement be made enforceable?

Yes, if the parties wish, the agreement can be submitted to the family court for approval as a court order. This is particularly important if one of the parents has previously breached the agreement or there is a risk of conflict.

The Consultant legal marketplace helps prepare a statement to the court, draw up documents in accordance with the requirements of the Family Court, and accompany the proceedings. We guarantee that your agreement will be drafted competently, clearly, and in accordance with the best interests of the child.