BASIC PARENTING PLAN
INSTRUCTIONS/WORKSHEET
Notice about these instructions:
These instructions are not a complete statement of the law and are not a substitute for the advice of an
attorney. These instructions cover basic procedure for parenting plans in uncomplicated divorce or unmarried
parent custody cases. If you have further questions about parenting plans, see the section “What is a Parenting
Plan and How Do I Use This Guide?" in the Basic Parenting Plan Guide.
These instructions are provided in a “worksheet” format so that as you go through the instructions for the
various sections of the parenting plan, you will be able to fill in information that can then be transferred to the
final form.
For more information, including resource and referral information, consult the Basic Parenting Plan Guide for
Parents and the Safety Focused Parenting Plan Guide. Both of these guides have information about how to
select a parenting plan that is best for you and your children, and give examples of parenting plans that you
may wish to use. The guides also include information about where to get basic legal information and how to
find an attorney, and each guide contains a separate resource list of books, videos, websites and services for
children and adults going through divorce or custody proceedings.
If you live sixty miles or more from the other parent, you should consider using the Long Distance Parenting
Plan form.
BEGIN:
If you will be filling in the form by hand, before you fill in any part of the Basic Parenting Plan, you should make a
copy of the blank form. Save this copy for use when you are ready to fill out a final version of the Basic Parenting
Plan to file with the Court.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON
FOR THE COUNTY OF
Petitioner ) CASE NO:
)
and ) PARENTING PLAN (Exhibit 1)
)
Respondent ) Proposed by: Petitioner Respondent
Co-Petitioner )
) Agreed upon by both parents
) Ordered by the Court
At the top of the page, fill in the name of the county where you will be filing your Basic Parenting Plan.
On the top left side of the page, fill in the names of the Petitioner and the Respondent on the lines provided. If you
have an existing court case, use the labels and names as they appear on the original documents filed with the court. If
you do not have an existing court case, then the person who starts the court case is the Petitioner. Check the box
marked “Co-Petitioner” if the parents have agreed upon the terms of the parenting plan and you are filing together.
On the top right side of the page, enter your case number, if you have one. If the Parenting Plan you are submitting is
agreed upon by both parents, check the box that says “Agreed upon by both parents.” Otherwise, check the box that
says “Proposed by and fill in the name of the parent who is proposing the Parenting Plan. The box marked
Ordered by the Court” is reserved for a judge to check.
Page 1 of 11 INSTRUCTIONS/WORKSHEET FOR BASIC PARENTING PLAN (GUIDE) [Rev. 8/2008] Exhibit 1
-Select a County-
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The terms of your Parenting Plan will affect your legal rights and
responsibilities. You should consult the complete BASIC PARENTING PLAN GUIDE
available at http://courts.oregon.gov/familylaw before filling out this form. You should
consult an attorney or your caseworker before filing your Parenting Plan with the court.
1.
GOALS FOR OUR CHILDREN
This plan is intended to ensure the children’s optimal development by providing continuity, stability and
predictability for the children, while ensuring frequent and continued contact with each parent. Because a
written plan cannot address every possible situation that might occur, the parents will implement this plan in a
spirit of good faith and mutual cooperation. Parents are encouraged to re-evaluate this plan from time to time
as their children’s needs change.
2.
WHO OUR CHILDREN ARE ( additional names are listed on an attached page)
Write down the full legal name (do not use nickname), date of birth, age, and sex (male or female) of each child of this
relationship. If you have more than four children, check the box, write their information on a separate page and
attach it to your Parenting Plan form.
Full Name Date of Birth Current age Sex (check one)
M / F
M /
F
M /
F
M /
F
3.
WHAT THE WEEKLY SCHEDULE WILL BE
IMPORTANT: Your decisions about how much time your children will spend in the care of each parent
will have important financial implications. This decision can affect how much child support a parent is
responsible for, whether a parent can claim a tax dependency deduction, etc. To check the percentage
of parenting time your schedule gives each parent, go to https://justice.oregon.gov/calculator/parenting_time/
Parenting Time Schedule: Explain when your children will be in the care of each parent. You can use the
blank
calendar in the Basic Parenting Plan Guide (BPPG) to help you work out your schedule. For questions and
tips that may help you decide on a parenting time schedule, see the section
How Do I Get Started? in the BPPG.
For information about the needs of different-aged children, and for sample parenting time schedules, see the age-
specific sections of What’s Best for My Child?in the BPPG. For books or other resources about creating a
parenting time schedule, see Where Can I Learn More?” in the BPPG.
The parents acknowledge that they remain the children’s parents at all times. Each parent is responsible for
providing the children with a quality experience and for acting in the children’s best interests.
3.1
For the purposes of describing the parenting time schedule, Parent Ais the parent who the children
stay with more than half the time, and Parent Bis the parent who the children stay with less than half the
time. If the parenting time is exactly even, it does not matter who is assigned which letter. In this document:
Parent A is (name) Parent B is (name)
3.2
Weekday and Weekend Schedule:
We will follow the schedule set forth below
Page 2 of 11 INSTRUCTIONS/WORKSHEET FOR BASIC PARENTING PLAN (GUIDE) [Rev. 8/2008] Exhibit 1
A.
Parent A shall be responsible for the children’s care:
Whenever the children are not scheduled to be with Parent B.
On the following days and times:
WEEKENDS: every every other other (specify)
f
rom (day)
at : .m. to (day) at : .m
WEEKDAYS: Specify day(s): from : .m to : .m
OTHER: (specify)
B.
Parent B shall be responsible for the children’s care on the following days and times:
WEEKENDS: every every other other (specify)
f
rom (day)
at : .m. to (day) at : .m
WEEKDAYS: Specify day(s): from : .m to : .m
OTHER: (specify)
Check the first box below if you want to describe a different parenting time schedule for any child. Check the
second box below if you want to describe how the schedule will change over time as the children get older.
You may complete and attach more than one Attachment 3.2(C) if needed.
There is a different parenting time schedule for the following children in Attachment 3.2(C):
(name) (name) (name)
There will be a different parenting time schedule when the children reach a certain age, and it is
described in Attachment 3.2 (C).
4.
WHAT THE VACATION AND HOLIDAY SCHEDULE WILL BE
4.1
Summer Schedule: (CHECK ONE) Check the first box if you want the schedule to stay the same
over t
he summer. Check the second box if you want the schedule to stay the same, except for vacation time.
Check t
he third box if you want to follow a schedule during the summer that is different from the school year,
and t
hen describe the summer schedule in the space below.
We will follow our weekday and weekend schedule during the summer. (SKIP TO 4.2)
We will follow our weekday and weekend schedule during the summer, except that each parent shall
have the opportunity to spend weeks of uninterrupted vacation time with the children each summer.
We will confirm our vacation schedules in writing by the end of each year. (SKIP TO 4.2)
We will follow a different parenting time schedule during the summer:
Parent A shall be responsible for the children’s care
At all times not specified in B below.
On the following days and times:
WEEKENDS: every every other other (specify)
f
rom (day)
at : .m. to (day) at : .m
WEEKDAYS: Specify day(s): from : .m to : .m
OTHER: (specify)
Page 3 of 11 INSTRUCTIONS/WORKSHEET FOR BASIC PARENTING PLAN (GUIDE) [Rev. 8/2008] Exhibit 1
Parent B shall be responsible for the children’s care on the following days and times:
WEEKENDS: every every other other (specify)
from (day)
at : .m. to (day) at : .m
WEEKDAYS: Specify day(s): from : .m to : .m
OTHER: (specify)
4.2
School Breaks and Holiday Schedule: (CHECK ONE) Check the first box if you want to follow
your weekday and weekend schedule during breaks and holidays, or if you want to work out special
arrangements for each break and holiday as it arises. This option means that if you can’t agree on special
arrangements, you follow your weekday and weekend schedule. Check the second box if you want to follow
a detailed holiday and school break schedule that you fill out below.
We will follow our Weekday and Weekend Schedule for all holidays and school breaks. If we choose
to vary from the regular schedule for a holiday or break, we will follow the rules for temporary schedule
changes in paragraph 4.4 below. (SKIP TO 4.3)
We will follow the Detailed Holiday Schedule below for any holiday or school break selected. If we
want to make special plans for a specific holiday, we have placed a check mark (
) next to that holiday.
For the holidays we check, this schedule overrides the weekday and weekend schedule above. If we
haven’t checked a holiday, we will follow the weekday and weekend schedule above.
DETAILED HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
CHECK ONLY ONE BOX IN EACH COLUMN/ CHECK ONLY ONE BOX IN EACH COLUMN
HOLIDAY Parent A:
(same parent’s name as in paragraph 3.1)
Parent B:
(same parent’s name as in paragraph 3.1)
Spring Break
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
(For School Aged Children) First half of
the school Spring Break.
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
(For School Aged Children) Second half
of the school Spring Break.
Other Plan:
Mother’s Day Our children shall spend the day with Mother every Mother’s Day from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Other Plan:
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HOLIDAY Parent A:
(same parent’s name as in paragraph 3.1)
Parent B:
(same parent’s name as in paragraph 3.1)
Memorial
Day /
Weekend
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Other Plan:
Father’s Day Our children shall spend the day with Father every Father’s Day from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Other Plan:
Fourth of
July
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Other Plan:
Labor Day /
Weekend
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Other Plan:
Thanksgiving
Day/
Thanksgiving
Break
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Age Specific Plan. If our children are
in different age groups, we will follow the
plan for the youngest child oldest
child.
For children under age 3: From 9 a.m. until
6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day in even years.
For children age 3 and older: From 6 p.m.
on Wednesday evening prior to Thanksgiving
until 6 p.m. on the Sunday following
Thanksgiving in even years.
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Age Specific Plan. If our children are
in different age groups, we will follow the
plan for the youngest child oldest
child.
For children under age 3: From 9 a.m. until
6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day in odd years.
For children age 3 and older: From 6 p.m.
on Wednesday evening prior to Thanksgiving
until 6 p.m. on the Sunday following
Thanksgiving in odd years.
Other Plan:
Page 5 of 11 INSTRUCTIONS/WORKSHEET FOR BASIC PARENTING PLAN (GUIDE) [Rev. 8/2008] Exhibit 1
HOLIDAY Parent A:
(same parent’s name as in paragraph 3.1)
Parent B:
(same parent’s name as in paragraph 3.1)
Christmas/
Winter Break
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Age Specific Plan. If our children are in
different age groups, we will follow the plan
for the youngest child oldest child.
For children under age 1: From 9 a.m. until
6 p.m. on Dec. 24
th
in odd years and from 9
a.m. until 6 p.m. on Dec. 25
th
in even years.
For children between 12 months and 36
months: From 6 p.m. on Dec. 24th. until 6
p.m. on Dec. 25
th
in odd years and from 6
p.m. on Dec. 25th. until 6 p.m. on Dec. 26
th
in
even years.
For children age 3 and older: From noon
on the day after school ends until noon on
Dec. 26
th
in odd years and from noon on Dec
26
th
until noon on the day before school
resumes in even years.
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Age Specific Plan. If our children are in
different age groups, we will follow the plan
for the youngest child oldest child.
For children under age 1: From 9 a.m. until
6 p.m. on Dec. 24
th
in even years and from 9
a.m. until 6 p.m. on Dec. 25
th
in odd years.
For children between 12 months and 36
months: From 6 p.m. on Dec. 24th. until 6
p.m. on Dec. 25
th
in even years. From 6 p.m.
on Dec. 25th. until 6 p.m. on Dec. 26
th
in odd
years.
For children age 3 and older: From noon
on the day after school ends until noon on
Dec. 26
th
in even years and from noon on
Dec 26
th
until noon on the day before school
resumes in odd years.
Other Plan:
New Year’s
Eve/New
Year’s Day
(odd/even is
based on
New Year’s
Day)
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Other Plan:
Children’s
birthdays
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Other Plan:
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HOLIDAY
Parent A:
(same parent’s name as in paragraph 3.1)
Parent B:
(same parent’s name as in paragraph 3.1)
All three-day
weekends
not listed
above
(Federal holidays, school in service days, etc.)
If a parent has our children on a weekend with an unspecified holiday or non-school day
attached, the children shall be in that parent’s care for the holiday or non-school day.
Other Plan:
Other holiday
or day of
significance
to the family:
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Other Plan:
Other holiday
or day of
significance
to the family:
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Begin day and time:
End day and time:
Every Year Odd Years Even Years
Other Plan:
4.3
Primary Residence. (CHECK ONE)
Parent A’s home shall be considered the “primary residence”.
Neither parent’s home shall be considered the primary residence”.
4.4
Temporary Changes to Parenting Time. Temporary changes to the parenting time schedule may be
made at any time if both parents agree ahead of time. (CHECK ONE)
The parents may agree verbally to any temporary changes in the parenting time schedule.
The parents must agree on temporary changes to the parenting time schedule in writing.
5.
HOW WE WILL EXCHANGE OUR CHILDREN
5.1
Timeliness. Parents will arrive within minutes of the time they are scheduled to be with the
children. If an unavoidable delay occurs, the delayed parent shall contact the other parent immediately.
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5.2
Exchange Point/Transportation. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, exchange of the children
will be: (CHECK ONE)
The home of the parent who is beginning his or her time with the children. The parent who is ending
their time with the children shall be responsible for dropping them off at the other parent’s home.
Drop off at Parent A’s home shall be at the
front door
curbside
other: .
Drop off at Parent B’s home shall be at the
front door
curbside
other: .
A neutral place as follows: .
The parents shall share responsibility for bringing the children to and from the exchange point.
Other:
Additional provisions: (OPTIONALCHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
If a parent starts his or her parenting time while the children are at school or in daycare, that parent shall
pick the children up directly at the school or daycare. If the children are supposed to be at school or in day
care at the end of a parent’s scheduled parenting time, that parent shall drop the children off directly at the
school or daycare.
If either parent is unable to provide transportation on a given occasion, he or she may designate one of
the following individuals to do so:
. These individuals are known to the children.
Other:
5.3
Clothing & Medication. The parents shall have the children ready with the clothing they need and any
necessary medications at the scheduled time of exchange. All clothing and medications that accompanied
the children shall be returned with them to the other parent.
6.
HOW WE WILL MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT OUR CHILDREN
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Your decision to select Joint or Sole Custody may have important legal
consequences. You are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney regarding these
consequences before making your final decision about Joint or Sole Custody.
6.1
Day-to-Day Decisions. Each parent will make day-to-day decisions regarding the care and control of
our children during the time they are caring for our children. This includes any emergency decisions
affecting the health or safety of our children.
6.2
Major Decisions (Legal Custody). Major decisions include, but are not limited to, decisions about the
children’s residence, education, non-emergency health care, and religious training. (CHECK ONE)
Choose an arrangement for making major decisions” including decisions about the children’s education,
non-emergency health care, and religious training. If both parents will share in the responsibility for making
“major decisions”, then check the box for Joint Custody. You can share responsibility in major decision
making even though the children are not in the care of each parent an equal amount of the time. If you will
not be sharing responsibility for major decisions, you need to decide which parent will have decision making
authority, also called Sole Custody. You have the option to indicate whether the parent with Sole Custody
will be required to talk to the other parent prior to making some or all major decisions”.
Page 8 of 11 INSTRUCTIONS/WORKSHEET FOR BASIC PARENTING PLAN (GUIDE) [Rev. 8/2008] Exhibit 1
The parents have agreed to share in the responsibility for making major decisions about the
children. This arrangement is known by the courts as Joint Custody.
(parent’s name) shall make major decisions about the children. This
arrangement is known by the courts as Sole Custody.
(OPTIONAL)
The custodial parent will consult (discuss) with the other parent:
before making major decisions.
before making major decisions on these specific issues:
(OPTIONAL)
The custodial parent will notify the other parent:
before making major decisions.
before making major decisions on these specific issues:
Note: If this parenting plan is attached to a signed order or judgment of the court, the custody
provisions in the plan should be consistent with what is in the judgment or order. In the event
of a conflict, the custody designation in the signed order or judgment shall prevail.
6.3
Information Sharing. Unless there is a court order stating otherwise:
Both parents have equal rights to inspect and receive the children’s school records, and both parents are
encouraged to consult with school staff concerning the children’s welfare and education. Both parents are
encouraged to participate in and attend the children’s school events.
Both parents have equal rights to inspect and receive governmental agency and law enforcement records
concerning the children.
Both parents have equal rights to consult with any person who may provide care or treatment for the
children and to inspect and receive the children’s medical, dental and psychological records.
Each parent has a continuing responsibility to provide a residential, mailing, or contact address and contact
telephone number to the other parent.
Each parent has a continuing responsibility to immediately notify the other parent of any emergency
circumstances or substantial changes in the health of the children, including the children’s medical needs.
7.
HOW WE WILL COMMUNICATE ABOUT AND WITH OUR CHILDREN
7.1
Parent and Child Communication.
Both parents and children shall have the right to communicate by telephone, in writing or by e-mailing
during reasonable hours without interference or monitoring by the other parent.
Rules for telephone, letters, e-mail or other parent and child communication: (DESCRIBE)
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7.2
Parent to Parent Communication.
Rules for telephone, letters, e-mail or other parent-to-parent communication: (DESCRIBE)
8.
FUTURE MOVES BY A PARENT. Unless there is a court order stating otherwise neither parent may move
to a residence more than 60 miles further away from the other parent without giving the other parent
days’ notice of the change of residence and providing a copy of such notice to the court.
Additional rules about moving: (DESCRIBE)
9.
OTHER PROVISIONS ON HOW WE WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR OUR CHILDREN
9.1
Children’s Activities. Children are often involved in activities other than school, such as sports,
clubs, music, religious organizations, and social activities. Both parents are encouraged to take part in
non-school activities with their children during their parenting time. Non-school activities should not
unreasonably interfere with either parent’s schedule and parenting time. Non-school activities that may
affect the other parent’s schedule: (CHECK ONE)
Must be coordinated with the other parent.
Will be planned to occur primarily during one parent’s scheduled parenting time.
Other:
9.2
Makeup and Missed Parenting Time.
If a child is so ill that the child is unable to spend time with a parent, there will be no make-up of
parenting time unless the parents agree (CHECK ONE) in writing verbally
If a parent is unable to have the children during his or her scheduled parenting time for any reasons, there
will be no make-up of parenting time unless the parents agree: (CHECK ONE) in writing
verbally
9.3
Mutual Respect. The parents will not say things or knowingly allow others to say things in the
presence of the children that would take away the children’s love and respect for the other parent.
9.4
Alternate Care. These are our ground rules for babysitters, day care providers, and other caregivers:
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
We choose not to specify ground rules for alternate care.
If a parent is unable to be with the children during scheduled parenting time, the other parent shall
be the first choice to provide of their care.
Only the following people may provide alternate care:
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The following people may not provide alternate care:
Other:
9.5
Other Items. (ADD ANY OTHER ITEMS YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE IN YOUR PLAN.)
9.5 (a)
Additional page attached (Attachment 9.5).
10.
PERMANENT CHANGES TO THE SCHEDULE. Permanent changes can be made only by applying to the
court for a modification. One parent cannot change a court-ordered Parenting Plan on their own.
11.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION. We will try to work out any parenting plan disputes on our own. Only as a
last resort will we resolve disputes through court action. (Local court rules will apply after filing a court
action) Prior to filing any court action: (CHECK ONE)
We will use a mutually agreed-upon, neutral third-party (such as a mediator, counselor, or other
professional) to resolve any parenting plan disputes before filing a court action about the parenting plan. This
shall not apply in the event of an emergency or abusive circumstance.
(OPTIONAL) For now, the following professional(s) will assist us, if available:
A dispute resolution process shall not be required prior to filing a court action.
12.
SIGNATURES. My signature below indicates that I have read and agree with what has been decided
and written in this document.
If the plan is proposed by only one parent, that parent alone should sign. If the plan is agreed to by both parents,
both parents should sign. If you are filing this plan with the court, you should attach it to the appropriate legal
document, such as a Petition or Judgment.
(CHECK ONE)
(CHECK ONE)
Petitioner
Co-Petitioner
Respondent
Co-Petitioner
Signature Date Signature Date
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