How to Create a Parenting Plan that Works

👨‍👩‍👧 The Big Question 

• When families separate, the #1 concern is: How do we make this work for our kids?
• You don’t just want a plan that looks good on paper — it has to work in real life.
• The secret? It’s not a “perfect formula”… it’s the process you use to create it.

💡 Why Mediation Works Better Than Court 

• ✅ Keeps decisions with the parents — not a judge who’s never met your kids
• ✅ Higher compliance rates — people stick to what they helped create
• ✅ Turns conflict into collaboration
• ✅ Saves time, money, and emotional energy

📌 What We’ll Cover in This Episode: 

• What makes a parenting plan truly workable in day-to-day life
• Why specificity avoids future conflict
• How flexibility actually creates more stability for your children
• Real-world examples of creative parenting arrangements
• Tips for avoiding common pitfalls

⚖ Key Principles Under the Family Law Act: 

• Every decision must prioritise the best interests of the children
• Mediation allows you to tailor arrangements to your kids’ needs, personalities, and routines

🔑 Practical Insights We’ll Explore: 

• How to balance specificity (clear arrangements) with flexibility (life changes happen)
• Managing logistics — geography, school pickups, holidays, extracurriculars
• Communication strategies — from co-parenting apps to parallel parenting
• Handling financial extras beyond child support
• Navigating big changes like relocation, new partners, and age-appropriate adjustments
• Child-inclusive mediation to ensure children’s voices are heard appropriately

🚀 The Takeaway: 

• The best parenting plans are living documents — able to adapt without breaking down
• Mediation keeps you in control, preserves relationships, and protects children from conflict
• You can advocate for your kids and still work cooperatively with your ex

🌐 Want to Learn More?

Visit mediationsaustralia.com.au to see how our accredited family dispute resolution practitioners can help you create arrangements that stand the test of time.

Need Mediators ? Contact the team at Mediations Australia. This podcast has been produced by Law Firm Marketing Experts, Practice Proof

All podcasts have been prepared by the Family Law Mediation experts, Mediations Australia for informational purposes only. The content shared does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and current, Mediations Australia makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of any information provided.

You should seek independent legal advice or other appropriate professional advice specific to your individual circumstances.

The information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a mediator–client, lawyer–client, or any other professional relationship between you and Mediations Australia.

Information provided may not reflect the most current legal or professional developments.