PARENTING PLAN

State of Connecticut Superior Court — Family Division

Judicial District of [________________________________]

Docket No.: [________________________________]

[________________________________] (Plaintiff/Petitioner)

v.

[________________________________] (Defendant/Respondent)

STATUTORY FRAMEWORK

This Parenting Plan ("Plan") is submitted pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56a, which requires a "parental responsibility plan" when parents seek joint custody. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56, the court shall consider the best interests of the child in entering orders regarding custody, care, education, visitation, and support. This Plan addresses the sixteen (16) best interest factors set forth in § 46b-56(c) and is intended for incorporation into a court order.

Connecticut employs a unified court system. Family matters are heard in the Superior Court, Family Division, organized by judicial district. This Plan shall be filed in the Judicial District of [________________________________].

PART ONE — IDENTIFICATION AND BACKGROUND

Section 1.1 — Parents

Parent A:
- Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
- Residential Address: [________________________________]
- Mailing Address (if different): [________________________________]
- Telephone: [________________________________]
- Email: [________________________________]
- Employer / Occupation: [________________________________]
- Work Schedule: [________________________________]
- Attorney (if represented): [________________________________] (Juris No. [____])

Parent B:
- Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
- Residential Address: [________________________________]
- Mailing Address (if different): [________________________________]
- Telephone: [________________________________]
- Email: [________________________________]
- Employer / Occupation: [________________________________]
- Work Schedule: [________________________________]
- Attorney (if represented): [________________________________] (Juris No. [____])

Section 1.2 — Children

Section 1.3 — Proceeding Type

This Plan is submitted in connection with:
☐ Dissolution of Marriage
☐ Legal Separation
☐ Custody Petition (unmarried parents)
☐ Post-Judgment Modification of Custody
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Section 1.4 — Parenting Education Program Compliance

Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-69b, both parents must complete a court-approved Parenting Education Program within sixty (60) days of the return date of the underlying complaint. The program educates parents on the impact of family restructuring on children.

PART TWO — LEGAL AND PHYSICAL CUSTODY

Section 2.1 — Legal Custody

☐ Joint Legal Custody — Both parents share the right and responsibility to make major decisions concerning the child(ren)'s health, education, religious upbringing, and general welfare, as defined in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56a(a).

☐ Sole Legal Custody to Parent A / Parent B — [________________________________] shall have sole authority over major decisions. The noncustodial parent shall be consulted when practicable but the custodial parent retains final authority.

Section 2.2 — Physical Custody

☐ Shared Physical Custody — The child(ren) shall reside with each parent pursuant to the schedule in Section 3.

☐ Primary Physical Custody to Parent A / Parent B — [________________________________] shall have primary physical custody. The other parent shall have parenting time (access) as set forth in Section 3.

Primary Residence for School Enrollment Purposes:
The child(ren)'s primary residence for purposes of school district enrollment and registration shall be: [________________________________]

School District: [________________________________]

PART THREE — PARENTING TIME SCHEDULE

Section 3.1 — Regular Weekly Schedule

☐ Schedule A — Alternating Weeks

Week 1: Child(ren) with Parent A from Monday at [____] to the following Monday at [____]
Week 2: Child(ren) with Parent B from Monday at [____] to the following Monday at [____]

☐ Schedule B — 2-2-3 Rotation

Every Week:
- Monday and Tuesday: Parent A
- Wednesday and Thursday: Parent B
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Alternating (Parent A in Week 1; Parent B in Week 2)

☐ Schedule C — 5-2-2-5

Every Week:
- Monday and Tuesday: Always Parent A
- Wednesday and Thursday: Always Parent B
- Friday through Sunday: Alternating weekends

☐ Schedule D — Primary Residence with Alternating Weekends and Midweek

Child(ren) reside primarily with [________________________________]:
- Other parent has every other weekend: Friday at [____] to Sunday at [____] (or Monday morning school drop-off)
- Midweek visit: [________________________________] from [____] to [____]
- ☐ Includes overnight ☐ No overnight

☐ Schedule E — Custom Schedule

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Section 3.2 — Exchange Details

Exchange Times:
- Regular weekday exchanges: [________________________________]
- Weekend exchanges: [________________________________]

Exchange Location(s):
☐ School (drop-off/pick-up)
☐ Parent A's residence
☐ Parent B's residence
☐ Neutral public location: [________________________________]
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Transportation:
☐ Receiving parent picks up the child(ren)
☐ Delivering parent drops off the child(ren)
☐ Shared equally — Parent A is responsible for [________________________________]; Parent B is responsible for [________________________________]

Exchange Conduct:
- Exchanges shall be brief, courteous, and child-focused.
- The delivering parent shall have the child(ren) ready at the scheduled time with appropriate clothing, medications, school materials, and comfort items.
- If a parent will be more than fifteen (15) minutes late, that parent shall notify the other immediately.
- If a parent fails to appear within thirty (30) minutes without notice, the other parent may treat the parenting time as forfeited for that period.

Section 3.3 — Holiday Schedule

Holidays supersede the regular weekly schedule. The parents shall alternate major holidays as follows:

Connecticut-Specific Note: The holiday schedule should account for the local school district calendar (available from the school district or the Connecticut State Department of Education). Connecticut schools typically observe the following holidays and breaks:

Religious Holidays: [________________________________]

Section 3.4 — Summer Schedule

☐ The regular weekly schedule continues during the summer.

☐ The summer schedule differs as follows:
[________________________________]

Vacation Blocks:
- Each parent is entitled to [____] weeks of uninterrupted vacation time with the child(ren) during the summer.
- Vacation requests must be submitted in writing by May 1 each year.
- If parents select overlapping dates, Parent A has first selection in even-numbered years and Parent B in odd-numbered years.
- The vacationing parent shall provide a written itinerary and contact information at least seven (7) days before departure.
- The non-vacationing parent shall have daily phone or video contact with the child(ren) at a mutually agreed time.

Section 3.5 — School Breaks and Teacher In-Service Days

• February/Winter Break: ☐ Regular schedule ☐ Alternating years: [________________________________]
• Spring Break: Per holiday schedule above.
• Teacher In-Service / Professional Development Days: ☐ Regular schedule applies ☐ Other: [________________________________]

Section 3.6 — Schedule for Infants and Toddlers (Under Age 3)

☐ Not applicable.

☐ The following modified schedule applies for children under age three (3) to accommodate developmental needs:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
The schedule shall automatically transition to the regular schedule set forth in Section 3.1 when the youngest child turns three (3) years old, unless the parents agree in writing to a different transition date.

PART FOUR — DECISION-MAKING AND PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 4.1 — Major Decisions (Joint Legal Custody)

If joint legal custody applies, the following protocol governs major decisions:

Education:
- Both parents shall be involved in school conferences, IEP meetings, and enrollment decisions.
- Both parents shall have independent access to all school records, portals, and communications.
- Neither parent shall enroll the child(ren) in a new school without the other parent's written agreement.

Medical and Health:
- Both parents shall have independent access to all medical, dental, and mental health records and providers.
- Non-emergency medical, surgical, dental, and mental health treatment requires mutual agreement.
- Routine medical care (annual physicals, standard vaccinations, minor illness treatment) may be handled by the parent with custody at the time, with notice to the other parent.
- Emergency medical care may be authorized by either parent; the other parent must be notified within twenty-four (24) hours.

Extracurricular Activities:
- Both parents must agree to enroll the child(ren) in new activities, particularly those that affect both parents' parenting time.
- Once enrolled, both parents shall cooperate with the activity schedule and transportation.

Religious Upbringing:
Per the selection in Section 2.1 above.

Technology and Social Media:
- Parents shall jointly establish age-appropriate rules for screen time, device use, and social media access.
- Both parents shall have access to the child(ren)'s social media usernames and passwords.

Section 4.2 — Tie-Breaking Mechanism

If parents cannot reach agreement on a major decision after good-faith consultation:

☐ The matter shall be referred to the Family Relations Division of the Superior Court for mediation.
☐ The matter shall be submitted to a private mediator: [________________________________]
☐ Parent A shall have final authority over [________________________________]; Parent B shall have final authority over [________________________________].
☐ Either parent may file a motion with the court.

Section 4.3 — Information Sharing

Both parents shall have full and equal access to:
- Report cards, progress reports, and standardized test results
- Medical records, treatment plans, and provider communications
- IEPs, Section 504 plans, and educational evaluations
- Extracurricular schedules, team communications, and event notices
- Child care provider contact information

Each parent shall provide the other parent's contact information to all schools, health care providers, and activity coordinators so that both parents receive direct communications.

Section 4.4 — Notification of Significant Events

Each parent shall promptly notify the other (within 24 hours) of:
- Medical emergencies, hospitalizations, or emergency room visits
- Serious illness, injury, or accident
- School disciplinary actions (suspension, expulsion, or behavioral referrals)
- Contact with the Department of Children and Families (DCF)
- Contact with law enforcement involving the child(ren)
- Significant changes in the child(ren)'s emotional state or behavior
- Changes in address, telephone, email, or employment

PART FIVE — COMMUNICATION

Section 5.1 — Parent-to-Parent Communication Method

Parents shall communicate regarding the child(ren) primarily through:
☐ Email
☐ Text message
☐ Co-parenting application (e.g., OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, AppClose)
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Communication shall be respectful, child-focused, and business-like. Each parent shall respond to non-emergency messages within twenty-four (24) hours.

Section 5.2 — Parent-Child Communication During the Other Parent's Time

The parent not exercising parenting time may have phone or video contact with the child(ren):
- Frequency: ☐ Daily ☐ Every other day ☐ Other: [________________________________]
- Time: [________________________________]
- Duration: Up to [____] minutes
- The parent with custody shall facilitate this contact, provide privacy, and ensure a functioning device with adequate connectivity.
- Neither parent shall monitor, record, or interfere with the child(ren)'s communication with the other parent.

Section 5.3 — Children's Personal Devices

☐ Not applicable (children do not have personal devices).

☐ The child(ren) have personal phones or devices. The child(ren) may contact either parent at any reasonable time. Neither parent shall confiscate the child(ren)'s device to prevent communication with the other parent, except for reasonable, temporary discipline unrelated to parental contact.

PART SIX — RELOCATION

Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56d, the following provisions govern any proposed relocation:

Section 6.1 — Notice Requirement

A parent who intends to relocate must provide the other parent with written notice at least sixty (60) days before the proposed move date. The notice shall include:
- The proposed new address
- The reason for the relocation
- The proposed date of the move
- A proposed revised parenting schedule
- The child(ren)'s proposed new school, if applicable

Section 6.2 — Burden of Proof

Under § 46b-56d(a), the relocating parent bears the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence:
1. The relocation is for a legitimate purpose;
2. The proposed location is reasonable in light of such purpose; and
3. The relocation is in the best interests of the child.

Section 6.3 — Court Factors

Under § 46b-56d(b), the court shall consider:
1. Each parent's reasons for seeking or opposing the relocation;
2. The quality of the relationships between the child and each parent;
3. The impact of the relocation on the quantity and quality of the child's future contact with the nonrelocating parent;
4. The degree to which the relocating parent's and the child's life may be enhanced economically, emotionally, and educationally by the relocation; and
5. The feasibility of preserving the relationship between the nonrelocating parent and the child through suitable access arrangements.

Section 6.4 — Status Quo

Until a court order is entered or the parties reach written agreement filed with the court, the current parenting schedule shall remain in effect and neither parent shall relocate with the child(ren).

PART SEVEN — CHILD-REARING PROVISIONS

Section 7.1 — Consistency Across Households

While recognizing that each household may have its own routines, the parents shall strive for reasonable consistency in:
- Bedtimes and sleep schedules
- Homework expectations and study routines
- Screen time and device rules
- Discipline approaches
- Dietary needs and medication administration

Section 7.2 — Children's Belongings

• Sufficient weather-appropriate clothing, medications (with instructions), school materials, and comfort items shall accompany the child(ren) at each exchange.
• Neither parent shall withhold the child(ren)'s belongings.
• Each parent shall maintain basic clothing, toiletries, and supplies at his or her home.

Section 7.3 — Non-Disparagement

Neither parent shall:
- Make negative or disparaging remarks about the other parent, the other parent's family, or the other parent's household in the child(ren)'s presence or hearing
- Allow others to make such remarks in the child(ren)'s presence
- Interrogate the child(ren) about the other parent's household, relationships, or finances
- Use the child(ren) as messengers, intermediaries, or spies
- Share age-inappropriate information about the legal proceedings with the child(ren)

Section 7.4 — Substance Use

• Neither parent shall consume alcohol to impairment or use illegal substances during parenting time or within twelve (12) hours before parenting time begins.
• Neither parent shall smoke tobacco or use e-cigarettes/vaping products in the presence of the child(ren) or in enclosed spaces where the child(ren) will be present.
• Prescription medications shall be used only as prescribed.

Section 7.5 — Firearms Safety

All firearms shall be stored unloaded in a locked safe or container, with ammunition stored separately, inaccessible to the child(ren), in compliance with Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-37i.

Section 7.6 — Introduction of New Partners

☐ Neither parent shall introduce a romantic partner to the child(ren) until the relationship has been exclusive for at least [____] months.
☐ Each parent shall provide [____] days' advance written notice before introducing a new partner to the child(ren), including the partner's full legal name.
☐ No restriction beyond general notice.

Cohabitation / Overnight Guests:
☐ A romantic partner shall not reside in or stay overnight in the home during the child(ren)'s parenting time until [________________________________].
☐ No restriction.
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Section 7.7 — Right of First Refusal

☐ If either parent requires child care for more than [____] consecutive hours during scheduled parenting time, that parent shall first offer the other parent the opportunity. The other parent shall respond within two (2) hours; no response is deemed a decline.

☐ No right of first refusal.

Section 7.8 — Childcare Providers

Each parent may select childcare providers during his or her parenting time, provided the provider is responsible, safe, and age-appropriate. Each parent shall provide the other with the name, address, and telephone number of any regular childcare provider.

PART EIGHT — ATTORNEY FOR MINOR CHILDREN / GUARDIAN AD LITEM

Pursuant to Connecticut Practice Book § 25-62 and § 25-62a:

☐ An Attorney for the Minor Child(ren) ("AMC") has been appointed: [________________________________] (Juris No. [____])
- An AMC represents the child(ren)'s wishes under Practice Book § 25-62a.

☐ A Guardian ad Litem ("GAL") has been appointed: [________________________________]
- A GAL represents the child(ren)'s best interests under Practice Book § 25-62.

☐ No AMC or GAL has been appointed.

☐ The parties request the Court appoint: ☐ AMC ☐ GAL

PART NINE — FAMILY RELATIONS DIVISION

The Family Relations Division (Family Services) of the Connecticut Superior Court provides mediation, conciliation, and custody evaluation services. The following describes the parties' involvement:

☐ Conciliation conference completed (Date: [__/__/____])
☐ Mediation session(s) completed (Date(s): [________________________________])
☐ Issue-Focused Evaluation completed (Date: [__/__/____])
☐ Comprehensive Custody Evaluation completed (Date: [__/__/____])
☐ No Family Relations involvement to date
☐ Parties request referral for: [________________________________]

Family Relations Recommendations (if any):
[________________________________]

PART TEN — DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Section 10.1 — Hierarchy of Resolution

The parents agree to resolve disputes in the following order:

1. Direct Communication. Parents shall first attempt to resolve disagreements through respectful, direct communication within seven (7) days.

2. Mediation. If direct communication fails, the parents shall participate in:
   ☐ Mediation through the Family Relations Division (no cost)
   ☐ Private mediation with [________________________________] (cost shared ☐ equally ☐ proportionally: Parent A [____]% / Parent B [____]%)

3. Motion to Court. If mediation is unsuccessful, either parent may file a motion with the Connecticut Superior Court, Family Division, Judicial District of [________________________________].

Section 10.2 — Emergency Court Action

Nothing in this Plan limits either parent's right to seek emergency relief, including an ex parte order under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56, to protect the child(ren)'s safety and welfare.

PART ELEVEN — FINANCIAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE CHILDREN

Section 11.1 — Health Insurance

[________________________________] shall maintain comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for the child(ren).

Section 11.2 — Unreimbursed Medical Expenses

Unreimbursed medical, dental, vision, mental health, and prescription expenses shall be allocated:
☐ Equally (50/50)
☐ Proportionally based on income: Parent A [____]% / Parent B [____]%
☐ Other: [________________________________]

The parent incurring the expense shall provide documentation to the other parent within thirty (30) days. Reimbursement shall be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of documentation.

Section 11.3 — Extracurricular Activity Costs

Costs for mutually agreed-upon extracurricular activities shall be allocated:
☐ Equally (50/50)
☐ Proportionally based on income: Parent A [____]% / Parent B [____]%
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Section 11.4 — Child Support

Child support, if applicable, is addressed in a separate order pursuant to the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-215a et seq.) and is not governed by this Plan.

PART TWELVE — MODIFICATION AND REVIEW

1. Periodic Review. The parents agree to review this Plan at least annually, or more frequently if the child(ren)'s needs change materially.

2. Modification. Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56 and Borkowski v. Borkowski, 228 Conn. 729 (1994), this Plan may be modified upon a showing of a material change in circumstances affecting the child(ren)'s best interests, by:
   - (a) Written stipulation of both parents, filed with and approved by the Court; or
   - (b) Court order upon motion of either parent.

3. Child's Preference. As the child(ren) mature, the parents acknowledge that the child(ren)'s informed preferences regarding the parenting schedule may be relevant pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56(c)(4), which considers "any relevant and material information obtained from the child, including the informed preferences of the child."

4. Severability. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force.

PART THIRTEEN — EXECUTION

The undersigned parents acknowledge that they have read this Parenting Plan in its entirety, understand its terms and obligations, and enter into it voluntarily. Each parent has had the opportunity to consult with independent legal counsel licensed in the State of Connecticut.

PARENT A:

Signature: _________________________________

Printed Name: [________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]

PARENT B:

Signature: _________________________________

Printed Name: [________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]

COUNSEL FOR PARENT A:

Signature: _________________________________

Name: [________________________________], Juris No. [____]

Date: [__/__/____]

COUNSEL FOR PARENT B:

Signature: _________________________________

Name: [________________________________], Juris No. [____]

Date: [__/__/____]

ATTORNEY FOR MINOR CHILD(REN) (if appointed):

Signature: _________________________________

Name: [________________________________], Juris No. [____]

☐ Concurs with this Plan ☐ Does not concur (see attached objection)

Date: [__/__/____]

ORDER OF THE COURT

The foregoing Parenting Plan having been submitted to the Court, and the Court having reviewed the same and finding that it is in the best interests of the minor child(ren) pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56, it is hereby:

ORDERED that the Parenting Plan is APPROVED and INCORPORATED as an order of this Court.

SO ORDERED at [________________________________], Connecticut, this [____] day of [________________________________], 20[____].

_________________________________
Judge, Superior Court
Family Division

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56 — Orders re custody; best interests of the child (16 factors enumerated in subsection (c))
• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56a — Joint custody definition; presumption; parental responsibility plan; conciliation
• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56b — Presumption re best interest of child to be in custody of parent
• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56d — Relocation of parent with minor child; burden of proof; five factors
• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-69b — Parenting education program (mandatory; completion within 60 days of return date)
• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-115 et seq. — Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-215a et seq. — Child Support Guidelines
• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-37i — Safe storage of firearms
• Connecticut Practice Book § 25-62 — Guardian ad Litem
• Connecticut Practice Book § 25-62a — Attorney for Minor Children
• Borkowski v. Borkowski, 228 Conn. 729, 638 A.2d 1060 (1994) — Material change in circumstances standard
• Ireland v. Ireland, 246 Conn. 413, 717 A.2d 676 (1998) — Relocation factors (codified at § 46b-56d)
• Connecticut Judicial Branch, Family Services Division: https://jud.ct.gov/CSSD/familysvcs.htm
• Connecticut Judicial Branch, Parenting Education Program Order (Form FM-149): https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/fm149.pdf