A parenting agreement sets out what has been decided between parents on the arrangements for the children, usually in connection with separation.  There is a model structure for such agreements published by the Scottish Government as a Parenting Plan.  Parents who find it difficult to reach agreement can try using Family Mediation as a way of putting an agreement together.  Lawyers can also assist in making an agreement, and then make it more official by registering it with the court.

Married parents with children under 16 have to include consideration of arrangements for their children if they are divorcing or dissolving a civil partnership.  Try to reach agreement about these arrangements, using the parenting agreement guidelines.  Family mediation will help you reach this agreement, but if you still can’t agree it may be necessary to go to court.