Kansas Parenting Plan

PARENTING PLAN

State of Kansas — District Court

Filed Pursuant to K.S.A. § 23-3207

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF [________________________________] COUNTY, KANSAS

Case No.: [________________________________]

Division: [____]

Judicial District: [____] of 31

☐ This is a Temporary Parenting Plan (filed with an interlocutory order request under K.S.A. § 23-2707)
☐ This is a Permanent (Final) Parenting Plan (filed for incorporation into a final decree or custody order)
☐ This is an Agreed Parenting Plan submitted jointly by both parents (K.S.A. § 23-3202 — presumed to be in best interests)
☐ This is a Proposed Parenting Plan submitted by one parent for the Court's consideration

In the Matter of:

☐ The Marriage of [________________________________] and [________________________________]
☐ The Custody of [________________________________]

IDENTIFICATION OF PARTIES AND CHILDREN

Parents

Parent A (☐ Petitioner / ☐ Respondent):
Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City: [________________________________], Kansas [________________________________]
Phone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Employer: [________________________________]
Work Schedule: [________________________________]

Parent B (☐ Petitioner / ☐ Respondent):
Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City: [________________________________], Kansas [________________________________]
Phone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Employer: [________________________________]
Work Schedule: [________________________________]

Children

Children's Special Needs or Considerations

☐ None
☐ The following special needs, medical conditions, or other considerations affect the parenting plan:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

SECTION 1: LEGAL CUSTODY DESIGNATION (K.S.A. § 23-3206)

Kansas law provides two forms of legal custody. Joint legal custody is the preferred arrangement under K.S.A. § 23-3206(a). If the Court orders sole legal custody under K.S.A. § 23-3206(b), specific findings of fact must be placed on the record.

1.1 Legal Custody Arrangement

☐ Joint Legal Custody (K.S.A. § 23-3206(a)) — Both parents shall have equal rights to make decisions in the best interests of the child(ren).

☐ Sole Legal Custody (K.S.A. § 23-3206(b)) — [________________________________] shall have sole legal custody. Specific findings supporting sole custody:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

1.2 Major Decision-Making Allocation

Under joint legal custody, the following major decisions require advance consultation and mutual written agreement:

1.3 Emergency Decisions

The parent exercising parenting time may make emergency medical or safety decisions without prior consultation. That parent shall notify the other parent within twenty-four (24) hours.

1.4 Routine Decisions

The parent exercising parenting time shall make routine day-to-day decisions regarding meals, bedtime, homework, discipline, hygiene, and daily activities.

SECTION 2: RESIDENCY DESIGNATION (K.S.A. § 23-3204)

Under K.S.A. § 23-3204, neither parent has a presumption either for or against them with respect to residency.

2.1 Residential Arrangement

☐ Shared/Dual Residency — The child(ren) shall reside with each parent per the schedule in Section 3
☐ Primary Residency with [________________________________] — The child(ren) shall reside primarily with this parent, with parenting time to the other parent per Section 3

2.2 Residential Address for School Enrollment and Mailing

The child(ren) shall be enrolled in school using the address of [________________________________]:
Address: [________________________________]
School District: [________________________________] (USD [____])

SECTION 3: PARENTING TIME SCHEDULE

3.1 Regular Schedule — School Year

Select one or specify a custom schedule:

☐ Option A: Alternating Weeks (Week-On/Week-Off)

• Parent A: Seven consecutive days beginning [________________________________] (day) at [________________________________] (time)
• Parent B: The following seven consecutive days
• Exchanges occur at: [________________________________]

☐ Option B: 2-2-3 Rotation

• Monday–Tuesday: Parent [____]
• Wednesday–Thursday: Parent [____]
• Friday–Sunday: Alternating (Parent [____] in Week 1; Parent [____] in Week 2)
• Exchanges occur at: [________________________________]

☐ Option C: 5-2-2-5 Schedule

• Monday–Tuesday: Always Parent [____]
• Wednesday–Thursday: Always Parent [____]
• Friday through Monday morning: Alternating
• Exchanges occur at: [________________________________]

☐ Option D: Every Other Weekend Plus Midweek

• Primary parent ([________________________________]): Weekdays and alternate weekends
• Other parent: Alternating weekends (Friday [____] PM to Sunday [____] PM or Monday morning school drop-off), plus one midweek period: [________________________________] (day) from [____] PM to [________________________________]
• Exchanges occur at: [________________________________]

☐ Option E: Custom Schedule
Parent A's parenting time:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Parent B's parenting time:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

3.2 Exchange Details

Exchange Location (school days): [________________________________]
Exchange Location (non-school days): [________________________________]

Transportation:
☐ Receiving parent picks up the child(ren)
☐ Delivering parent drops off the child(ren)
☐ Shared equally
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Late Pickup/Delivery: If a parent will be more than [____] minutes late for an exchange, that parent shall notify the other parent immediately. If a parent is more than [____] minutes late without notice, the other parent may proceed with alternate arrangements.

3.3 Holiday Schedule

Holidays supersede the regular parenting time schedule. Unless otherwise specified, holiday time begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 7:00 PM on the designated day(s).

Children's Birthdays:
☐ Alternating years — Even years: Parent [____]; Odd years: Parent [____]
☐ The non-scheduled parent receives [____] hours on the child's birthday from [____] to [____]
☐ Shared celebration: [________________________________]

Parents' Birthdays:
Each parent shall have the child(ren) from [____] PM to [____] PM on that parent's birthday, regardless of the regular schedule.

Religious/Cultural Holidays:
[________________________________]

3.4 Summer/Vacation Schedule

Summer Break:
☐ Regular parenting time schedule continues through summer
☐ Modified summer schedule:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Vacation Blocks:
Each parent may exercise [____] weeks of uninterrupted vacation time during summer break with the child(ren), subject to:

• At least thirty (30) days' written advance notice
• Itinerary and contact information provided at least fourteen (14) days before departure
• Vacation time shall not conflict with the other parent's previously scheduled vacation

School-Year Vacations:
Each parent may exercise [____] days of vacation during the school year (non-holiday periods) per year, with at least [____] days' advance notice and the other parent's written consent.

3.5 Schedule for Very Young Children (If Applicable)

☐ Not applicable
☐ The following modified schedule applies for the child(ren) under age [____]:
[________________________________]
[________________________________]
This modified schedule shall convert to the standard schedule described in Section 3.1 on [__/__/____] or when the child reaches age [____], whichever occurs first.

SECTION 4: COMMUNICATION

4.1 Parent-to-Parent Communication

Parents shall communicate regarding the child(ren) through:
☐ Direct phone, text, and/or email
☐ A co-parenting application: [________________________________]
☐ Other: [________________________________]

All communication shall be respectful, child-focused, and documented in writing when addressing major decisions.

4.2 Parent-Child Communication During Other Parent's Time

The parent not currently exercising parenting time shall have reasonable telephone and/or video communication with the child(ren):

• Frequency: [________________________________]
• Preferred time: [________________________________]
• Method: ☐ Phone ☐ Video call ☐ Either

The parent exercising parenting time shall facilitate these communications and shall not monitor, record, or interfere with them.

4.3 Information Sharing and Records Access

Both parents shall have full and equal access to all records concerning the child(ren), including:

• School records, report cards, progress reports, and teacher communications
• Medical, dental, vision, and mental health records
• Extracurricular activity information
• Childcare provider information

Both parents shall be listed as emergency contacts and authorized persons at schools and medical providers. Per K.S.A. § 23-3206, even sole legal custody does not restrict access to records unless the Court specifically orders otherwise.

4.4 Notification Obligations

Each parent shall promptly notify the other of:

• Any illness, injury, or medical emergency involving the child(ren)
• School disciplinary actions or academic concerns
• Changes in address, phone number, or email
• Any event requiring law enforcement or DCF involvement
• Any person who will have regular or overnight contact with the child(ren)

SECTION 5: CHILD-REARING PROVISIONS

5.1 Non-Disparagement

Neither parent shall make negative or disparaging remarks about the other parent, that parent's family, or household members in the presence or hearing of the child(ren). Neither parent shall allow others to disparage the other parent in the child(ren)'s presence.

5.2 Facilitating Relationships

Each parent shall actively encourage and support the child(ren)'s relationship with the other parent, consistent with K.S.A. § 23-3203(a)(8), which requires the Court to consider each parent's willingness to respect and facilitate the relationship.

5.3 Consistency Across Households

Parents shall make reasonable efforts to maintain consistent:

• Bedtimes and wake times on school nights
• Homework routines and expectations
• Discipline approaches
• Screen time limits

5.4 Introduction of New Partners

If a parent enters a new romantic relationship, that parent shall:

• Not introduce the new partner to the child(ren) until the relationship is stable (recommended minimum [____] months)
• Notify the other parent before introducing the new partner
• Ensure the partner is not a registered sex offender (K.S.A. § 23-3203(a)(15)-(17))

5.5 Substance Use

Neither parent shall consume alcohol to impairment or use illegal substances during parenting time or within twelve (12) hours before the start of parenting time.

5.6 Firearms Safety

All firearms in either household shall be stored unloaded in a locked container with ammunition stored separately, inaccessible to the child(ren).

5.7 Supervision of Third Parties

Neither parent shall leave the child(ren) overnight with any person who is required to register as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act (K.S.A. § 22-4901 et seq.) or who has been convicted of abuse of a child (K.S.A. § 23-3203(a)(16)-(18)).

SECTION 6: RELOCATION (K.S.A. § 23-3222)

6.1 Statutory Notice Requirements

A parent entitled to legal custody, residency, or parenting time shall give written notice to the other parent by restricted mail, return receipt requested, not less than thirty (30) days prior to:

1. Changing the residence of the child(ren); or
2. Removing the child(ren) from Kansas for a period exceeding ninety (90) days

(K.S.A. § 23-3222(a))

6.2 Contents of Relocation Notice

The notice shall include:

• The intended new address
• The intended date of the move
• The reason for the relocation
• A proposed revised parenting time schedule

6.3 Consequences of Noncompliance

Failure to give notice constitutes indirect civil contempt under K.S.A. § 23-3222(b). The Court may assess reasonable attorney fees and expenses against the non-compliant parent.

6.4 Relocation as Grounds for Modification

A change of the child(ren)'s residence may be considered a material change of circumstances justifying modification under K.S.A. § 23-3222(c). In evaluating a relocation-based modification, the Court shall consider:

1. The effect of the move on the best interests of the child
2. The effect on parenting time and rights under K.S.A. Chapter 23, Article 32
3. The increased cost the move will impose on the other parent

6.5 Exception

Notice is not required when the other parent has been convicted of certain crimes against the child (K.S.A. § 23-3222(d), referencing K.S.A. §§ 21-5401 through 21-5609).

6.6 Geographic Limitations (Optional)

☐ No geographic limitation beyond statutory notice
☐ Both parents agree to reside within [________________________________]
☐ Other: [________________________________]

SECTION 7: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SAFETY (K.S.A. § 23-3203(a)(9))

7.1 Disclosure

☐ Neither parent has a history of domestic violence, abuse, stalking, or sexual assault.
☐ The following history is disclosed:
[________________________________]

7.2 Protection from Abuse Orders

☐ No PFA orders exist or have existed between the parties.
☐ A PFA order under K.S.A. § 60-3101 et seq. was issued on [__/__/____] in Case No. [________________________________]:

• ☐ Currently active
• ☐ Expired on [__/__/____]
  This parenting plan is consistent with the terms of the PFA order.

7.3 Safety Provisions (If Applicable)

☐ Exchanges shall occur at a supervised exchange center: [________________________________]
☐ A neutral third party shall be present during exchanges: [________________________________]
☐ Parenting time shall be supervised by: [________________________________]
☐ Other safety provisions: [________________________________]

SECTION 8: DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE (K.S.A. § 23-3214)

Kansas law requires that the parenting plan include a procedure by which disputes between the parents may be resolved without need for court intervention.

Step 1: Direct Communication

Parents shall first attempt to resolve disagreements through direct, respectful communication (in person, by phone, or in writing).

Step 2: Mediation

If direct communication is unsuccessful within [____] days, the parents shall engage in mediation with a qualified Kansas family mediator.

• Mediator: [________________________________] (or a mediator selected by agreement)
• Cost allocation: ☐ Equal ☐ Parent A: [____]% / Parent B: [____]%
• Exception: Mediation is not required if a PFA order is in effect or domestic violence makes mediation inappropriate

Note: Local judicial district rules in many Kansas districts (e.g., Johnson County — 10th Judicial District, Sedgwick County — 18th Judicial District, Shawnee County — 3rd Judicial District, Douglas County — 7th Judicial District) require mediation before contested custody hearings.

Step 3: Parenting Coordinator (Optional)

☐ Not applicable
☐ If mediation is unsuccessful, the parents shall consult a parenting coordinator:
Name: [________________________________]
Authority: ☐ Advisory only ☐ Binding on non-major day-to-day issues

Step 4: Court Intervention

If all other methods fail, either parent may file a motion with the District Court of [________________________________] County, Kansas.

SECTION 9: FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

9.1 Child Support

Child support is calculated under the Kansas Child Support Guidelines (Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 261) and is:
☐ Addressed in a separate order
☐ As follows: [________________________________] shall pay $[________________________________] per month

9.2 Health Insurance

[________________________________] shall maintain health, dental, and vision insurance for the child(ren) through:
☐ Employer-provided insurance
☐ Private insurance
☐ KanCare (Kansas Medicaid)

9.3 Unreimbursed Medical Expenses

Unreimbursed and uncovered medical, dental, vision, orthodontic, prescription, and mental health expenses shall be allocated:

• Parent A: [____]%
• Parent B: [____]%

The parent incurring the expense shall provide itemized documentation within [____] days. The other parent shall reimburse within [____] days.

9.4 Childcare Costs

Work-related childcare costs shall be allocated:

• Parent A: [____]%
• Parent B: [____]%

9.5 Extracurricular Activities

Costs for mutually agreed extracurricular activities shall be shared:
☐ Equally
☐ Parent A: [____]% / Parent B: [____]%
☐ The enrolling parent pays unless the other parent agrees in writing

9.6 Education Expenses

☐ Not applicable
☐ Allocated as follows: [________________________________]

SECTION 10: PARENT EDUCATION (K.S.A. § 23-3214)

Kansas courts may require parents to attend parent education classes addressing the impact of family dissolution on children.

☐ Both parents have completed a court-approved parenting education program.
Program name: [________________________________]
Date completed — Parent A: [__/__/____] Parent B: [__/__/____]

☐ Both parents shall enroll in and complete a court-approved parenting education program within [____] days.

☐ Not required by the Court in this case.

SECTION 11: MILITARY DEPLOYMENT PROVISIONS (K.S.A. § 23-3207)

Kansas law requires that if either parent is a service member, the parenting plan include provisions for deployment.

☐ Not applicable — neither parent is an active-duty service member or reservist.
☐ The following provisions apply during military deployment, mobilization, temporary duty, or unaccompanied tour:

Deploying Parent: [________________________________]
Temporary Custody During Deployment: [________________________________]
Communication Plan During Deployment: [________________________________]
Reintegration Plan Upon Return: [________________________________]

SECTION 12: ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

SECTION 13: SIGNATURES

We, the undersigned parents, have read this Parenting Plan in its entirety, understand its terms, and agree to be bound by its provisions. We submit this Parenting Plan to the District Court pursuant to K.S.A. § 23-3207 and request that it be approved and incorporated into an order of the Court.

PARENT A:

Signature: _________________________________
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

PARENT B:

Signature: _________________________________
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

VERIFICATION

STATE OF KANSAS )
) ss.
COUNTY OF [________________________________] )

I, [________________________________], declare under penalty of perjury that the statements in this Parenting Plan are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: _________________________________
Date: [__/__/____]

STATE OF KANSAS )
) ss.
COUNTY OF [________________________________] )

I, [________________________________], declare under penalty of perjury that the statements in this Parenting Plan are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: _________________________________
Date: [__/__/____]

ATTORNEY SIGNATURES (If Represented)

Attorney for Parent A:
Name: [________________________________]
Kansas Bar No.: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
Phone: [________________________________]
Signature: _________________________________

Attorney for Parent B:
Name: [________________________________]
Kansas Bar No.: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
Phone: [________________________________]
Signature: _________________________________

ORDER OF THE COURT

The Court has reviewed the Parenting Plan submitted pursuant to K.S.A. § 23-3207 and has considered the factors set forth in K.S.A. § 23-3203. The Court finds:

☐ This is an agreed parenting plan. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 23-3202, it is presumed to be in the best interests of the child(ren), and no evidence rebuts that presumption.

☐ This is a contested matter. After considering all factors under K.S.A. § 23-3203 and the evidence presented, the Court finds the following arrangement is in the best interests of the child(ren): [________________________________]

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that:

1. Legal custody is designated as: ☐ Joint (K.S.A. § 23-3206(a)) ☐ Sole to [________________________________] (K.S.A. § 23-3206(b))
2. Residency is designated as set forth in Section 2.
3. Parenting time shall be as set forth in Section 3.
4. The dispute resolution procedure in Section 8 is approved.
5. All other terms of this Parenting Plan are approved and incorporated into this Order.

Date: [__/__/____]

_________________________________
Hon. [________________________________]
Judge, District Court of [________________________________] County, Kansas
[____] Judicial District

Sources and References

• K.S.A. § 23-3207 — Parenting plan submission required in all custody proceedings
• K.S.A. § 23-3202 — Agreed parenting plan creates rebuttable presumption of best interests
• K.S.A. § 23-3201 — Custody, residency, and parenting time determined by best interests
• K.S.A. § 23-3203 — Eighteen factors for determining custody, residency, and parenting time
• K.S.A. § 23-3204 — No presumption favoring either parent regarding residency
• K.S.A. § 23-3206(a) — Joint legal custody: equal decision-making (preferred)
• K.S.A. § 23-3206(b) — Sole legal custody: requires specific findings on the record
• K.S.A. § 23-3214 — Court information; parent education; mediation; forms prescribed by Supreme Court
• K.S.A. § 23-3222 — Change in child's residence: 30-day notice by restricted mail
• K.S.A. § 23-2707 — Interlocutory (temporary) orders during pending divorce; requires temporary parenting plan
• K.S.A. § 60-3101 et seq. — Kansas Protection from Abuse Act
• K.S.A. § 23-37,101 et seq. — UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act)
• Kansas Judicial Council — Parenting Plan Forms: https://www.kjc.ks.gov/legal-forms/child-support-parenting-time
• Kansas Courts — Official Parenting Plan Form: https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Trial%20court%20programs/parentplanform.pdf