Legal Parenting Plans for separated families in Brisbane

A flexible, child-focused roadmap for co-parenting.

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A Parenting Plan sets out how you’ll co-parent after separation, with clear, practical agreements that support your children’s wellbeing and reduce future conflict.

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WHAT IS A PARENTING PLAN?

A Parenting Plan is a written agreement between parents about the care of their children. Unlike Consent Orders, Parenting Plans are not legally enforceable — but they can help reduce conflict and create structure.

WHY YOU NEED A LAWYER

While these plans don’t go through court, how they’re written still matters. We’ll help you create a practical, workable plan that reflects your child’s best interests and aligns with legal principles - without creating confusion down the track.

When parents separate, one of the most important decisions they face is how to continue raising their children from separate households.

A Parenting Plan is a written agreement that outlines how you and your ex-partner will share responsibilities and care for your children moving forward.

It covers day-to-day parenting arrangements like where the children will live, how time will be shared during the week, weekends and holidays, and how decisions about education, health and other key issues will be made.

What makes a Parenting Plan different from Consent Orders?

Unlike Consent Orders, a Parenting Plan is not legally binding. That means the Court cannot enforce it if one party doesn’t follow it. But that doesn’t make it any less valuable. Parenting Plans are often used as a starting point for co-parenting arrangements, especially where both parties want to keep things amicable, flexible, and out of Court.

They can be quicker and more cost-effective to create, while still providing much-needed clarity and structure — especially during those early, emotional months after separation.

Why you still need a lawyer

Just because Parenting Plans aren’t filed with the Court doesn’t mean they’re casual documents. In fact, the way a Parenting Plan is drafted can affect your family for years to come. Poorly written or vague plans often lead to confusion, miscommunication, and further conflict.

At Martens Legal, we bring our deep understanding of family law and child-focused principles to help you create a plan that’s practical, easy to follow, and built to last.

Martens Legal helps you:

  • Tailor a parenting arrangement that suits your family’s unique needs and routines

  • Ensure the plan reflects the best interests of the children, which is the cornerstone of family law in Australia

  • Address common future issues (like school events, birthdays, or travel) that can become sticking points

  • Clearly set expectations around communication and decision-making

  • Avoid common traps or legal grey areas that could undermine the plan later

Common questions about Parenting Plans

  • A Parenting Plan might be the best choice if:

    • You and your ex-partner are on reasonably good terms and can cooperate

    • You want to avoid the stress, time and expense of Court

    • You need a flexible arrangement that can evolve with your children’s needs

    • You’re still working through your long-term parenting goals but want to get some structure in place now

  • While a Parenting Plan is not enforceable like a Court Order, it can still carry significant legal weight if your matter ends up before the Court later. Judges often refer to existing Parenting Plans to understand what the parties had agreed to — and whether one party has unreasonably changed course.

    This is why it’s critical that your Parenting Plan is drafted with care and clarity. Our team will ensure it reflects not only your intentions, but also legal best practices - so you’re protected if circumstances change.

  • If your Parenting Plan works well and both parties want to make it legally binding down the track, we can help you convert the terms into Consent Orders — a seamless process when the original plan has been properly drafted.

Ready to put a calm, structured plan in place for your children?

Let’s work together to create a Parenting Plan that supports your co-parenting journey.

CONTACT US TO GET STARTED WITH YOUR PARENTING PLAN