Parenting Plan

PARENTING PLAN

State of New Jersey — Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part

COUNTY OF [________________________________]
DOCKET NO.: FM-[____]-[________________________________]

PART A — IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

A.1 Parent A

A.2 Parent B

A.3 Child(ren) Subject to This Plan

A.4 Filing Context

This Parenting Plan is being submitted in connection with:
☐ Divorce / dissolution (FM docket)
☐ Non-dissolution custody / parenting time (FD docket)
☐ Post-judgment modification
☐ Consent order
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Effective Date: [__/__/____]

PART B — NEW JERSEY LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

B.1 Governing Law

This Parenting Plan is governed by New Jersey law, including N.J.S.A. 9:2-1 et seq. and the Rules of Court. The Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part, [________________________________] County retains continuing jurisdiction under the UCCJEA (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-53 et seq.).

B.2 Public Policy — 2026 Amendments

Effective January 2026, N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 was amended by S4510/A5761 to establish the following public policy priorities:

1. The protection and welfare of minor children are paramount.
2. Child safety is the threshold consideration — courts must address domestic violence, abuse, and safety risks before evaluating parenting time arrangements.
3. The child's expressed preference, when of sufficient age and capacity, is a significant factor and any departure must be explained.

B.3 Best Interest Factors — N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(c)

This Plan has been developed with consideration of all fourteen statutory factors:

1. Parents' ability to agree, communicate, and cooperate
2. Parents' willingness to accept custody; history of withholding the child
3. Interaction and relationship of the child with parents and siblings
4. History of domestic violence
5. Safety of the child and either parent from physical abuse
6. Preference of the child of sufficient age and capacity
7. Needs of the child
8. Stability of the home environment
9. Quality and continuity of the child's education
10. Fitness of the parents
11. Geographical proximity of the parents' homes
12. Extent and quality of time with the child before and after separation
13. Parents' employment responsibilities
14. Age and number of children

B.4 Guiding Principles

The parents agree to the following principles:

• The child(ren)'s safety, welfare, and developmental needs come first
• Each parent shall support the child(ren)'s relationship with the other parent
• The parents shall cooperate, communicate constructively, and shield the child(ren) from parental conflict
• Consistency and predictability across both households benefit the child(ren)
• This Plan shall be implemented flexibly and in good faith

B.5 Safety Certification

☐ Neither parent has a history of domestic violence, abuse, or conduct posing a safety risk.
☐ Safety concerns exist and are addressed in Part K of this Plan.

PART C — CUSTODY DESIGNATION

C.1 Legal Custody

☐ Joint Legal Custody — Both parents share the right and responsibility to make major decisions regarding health, education, and welfare.
☐ Sole Legal Custody to Parent [____] — The designated parent has exclusive major decision-making authority.
☐ Joint Legal Custody with Allocated Decision-Making:

• Education: Parent [____] has final authority
• Medical/Healthcare: Parent [____] has final authority
• Mental Health/Therapy: Parent [____] has final authority
• Religious Upbringing: Parent [____] has final authority
• Extracurricular Activities: Parent [____] has final authority

C.2 Physical Custody

☐ Joint Physical Custody — The child(ren) have substantially equal parenting time with both parents.
☐ Primary Physical Custody to Parent [____] — Parent of Primary Residence (PPR) with parenting time to the other parent (Parent of Alternate Residence / PAR).

C.3 Residence Designation

For school enrollment, mailing, and legal purposes:

• Parent of Primary Residence (PPR): Parent [____]
• Parent of Alternate Residence (PAR): Parent [____]
• Primary address: [________________________________]
• School district: [________________________________]

PART D — PARENTING TIME SCHEDULE

D.1 Regular School-Year Schedule

Select one or describe a custom arrangement:

☐ Alternating Weeks: Exchange on [day] at [____]
☐ 2-2-3 Rotation: Mon-Tue Parent [____]; Wed-Thu Parent [____]; Fri-Sat-Sun alternating
☐ 5-2-2-5: Mon-Tue always Parent [____]; Wed-Thu always Parent [____]; Fri-Sun alternating
☐ Every Other Weekend Plus Midweek:

• PPR has child(ren) primarily
• PAR has alternating weekends: Friday [____] to Sunday [____]
• PAR has midweek: [day(s)] from [____] to [____]
  ☐ Custom Schedule:

D.2 Overnight Count

• Parent A overnights per year (approximate): [____]
• Parent B overnights per year (approximate): [____]

This count determines the applicable child support worksheet: sole parenting (Appendix IX-B) if PAR has fewer than 28% of overnights, or shared parenting (Appendix IX-F) if 28% or more.

D.3 Summer Schedule

☐ Regular schedule continues
☐ Modified summer schedule:

• Parent A: [________________________________]
• Parent B: [________________________________]
• Each parent receives [____] weeks of uninterrupted vacation time
• Vacation requests due by: [date] each year
• Minimum [____] days' notice for all vacation selections
• If schedules conflict, Parent A's selection governs in even years, Parent B's in odd years

D.4 Holiday Schedule

Holiday and special occasion parenting time supersedes the regular schedule.

D.5 School Closings, Snow Days, and Early Dismissals

On unscheduled school closings or delays, the child(ren) shall remain with the parent whose parenting time is in effect. If that parent is unavailable, the right of first refusal (Part F) applies.

PART E — EXCHANGES AND TRANSPORTATION

E.1 Exchange Location

☐ School (drop-off/pick-up)
☐ Parent A's residence
☐ Parent B's residence
☐ Neutral location: [________________________________]
☐ Police station or public safety building (if needed for safety)
☐ Other: [________________________________]

E.2 Transportation

☐ Receiving parent picks up
☐ Delivering parent drops off
☐ Shared (Parent A transports to exchanges; Parent B transports from exchanges)
☐ Third party: [________________________________]
☐ Other: [________________________________]

E.3 Long-Distance Transportation (if applicable)

If the parents reside more than [____] miles apart:

• Regular parenting time transportation costs: Parent A [____]% / Parent B [____]%
• Mode of transportation: ☐ Car ☐ Train (NJ Transit or Amtrak) ☐ Air ☐ Other
• Unaccompanied minor travel (air): ☐ Permitted for child(ren) age [____]+ ☐ Not permitted

E.4 Exchange Conduct

• Both parents shall be punctual. If delayed more than fifteen (15) minutes, the delayed parent shall notify the other.
• Exchanges shall be civil. No arguments, confrontations, or disparaging remarks.
• The child(ren) shall have all necessary belongings, medications, and school materials.
• Neither parent shall question the child(ren) about the other parent's household during exchanges.

PART F — RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL

If either parent is unable to personally care for the child(ren) during their scheduled parenting time for [____] or more consecutive hours, that parent shall first offer the time to the other parent before arranging alternative childcare.

Process:

1. The offering parent notifies the other by [phone/text/app] with at least [____] hours' notice when reasonably possible.
2. The other parent responds within [____] hours.
3. If no response, the offering parent may arrange alternative care.

Exceptions: Regular daycare/school care; time with grandparents for [____] hours or less; pre-scheduled activities with prior notice.

PART G — DECISION-MAKING AND PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

G.1 Education

Both parents shall attend school conferences and IEP meetings when possible.

G.2 Healthcare

Both parents shall be listed as authorized contacts with all healthcare providers.

G.3 Mental Health and Therapy

G.4 Religious Upbringing

☐ The child(ren) shall be raised in the [________________________________] faith/tradition
☐ Both parents shall expose the child(ren) to their respective religious traditions
☐ No formal religious upbringing at this time
☐ Other: [________________________________]

G.5 Extracurricular Activities

• Both parents shall consult before enrolling the child(ren) in activities requiring significant time or financial commitment.
• Activities scheduled during one parent's parenting time require that parent's agreement.
• Both parents shall facilitate the child(ren)'s participation in agreed-upon activities during their parenting time.

G.6 Travel

• In-state travel: No advance notice required beyond the regular schedule.
• Out-of-state travel: [____] days' advance written notice with itinerary and contact information.
• International travel: ☐ Joint consent required ☐ Court approval required ☐ Restricted to: [________________________________]
• Each parent shall maintain a valid passport for the child(ren) if applicable. Passports shall be held by: ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B ☐ Alternating with the child(ren)

PART H — COMMUNICATION

H.1 Between Parents

Primary method: ☐ Co-parenting app ☐ Email ☐ Text ☐ Other: [________________________________]

Guidelines:

• All communications shall be respectful, factual, and focused on the child(ren)
• Non-emergency communications shall be responded to within [____] hours
• Emergency communications shall be responded to immediately
• Neither parent shall use the child(ren) as messengers

H.2 Parent-Child Contact During Other Parent's Time

Each parent shall facilitate reasonable contact between the child(ren) and the other parent:
☐ Daily phone/video call at approximately [____] for up to [____] minutes
☐ [____] calls per week at mutually agreed times
☐ Unrestricted reasonable contact

The parent with the child(ren) shall ensure the child(ren) have access to a phone or device for contact. Neither parent shall monitor, record, or interfere with parent-child communications.

H.3 Non-Disparagement and Parental Conduct

• Neither parent shall disparage the other parent, their family, or household in the child(ren)'s presence or hearing.
• Neither parent shall question or interrogate the child(ren) about the other parent's activities, relationships, or household.
• Neither parent shall place the child(ren) in the middle of parental disputes or ask the child(ren) to choose sides.
• Neither parent shall share legal documents, financial information, or adult conflict details with the child(ren).

H.4 Social Media

Neither parent shall post photographs, videos, or identifiable information about the child(ren) on public social media platforms without the other parent's consent. Reasonable private sharing with family and friends is permitted.

PART I — INFORMATION SHARING AND RECORD ACCESS

Both parents shall have equal and independent access to:

• School records, report cards, IEP/504 plans, and teacher communications
• Medical, dental, vision, and mental health records
• Extracurricular schedules and communications
• Insurance policy information

Each parent shall:

• List the other parent as an emergency contact at schools and healthcare providers
• Promptly share report cards, medical updates, and disciplinary notices
• Notify the other parent of school events, conferences, and performances with reasonable advance notice
• Provide updated contact information, including address, phone number, and email, within forty-eight (48) hours of any change

PART J — RELOCATION

J.1 Governing Standard

Relocation is governed by N.J.S.A. 9:2-2 and Bisbing v. Bisbing, 230 N.J. 309 (2017). The applicable standard is the child(ren)'s best interests under N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(c).

J.2 Within New Jersey

Either parent may relocate within the State of New Jersey with [____] days' advance written notice to the other parent, including the new address and any impact on the parenting time schedule. If the move materially affects the schedule, the parents shall negotiate modifications in good faith before filing a motion.

J.3 Outside New Jersey

Relocation with the child(ren) outside New Jersey requires:
(a) Written consent of the other parent, filed with the Court; or
(b) Prior Court approval following a best interests hearing.

J.4 Notice Requirements

Written notice of a proposed out-of-state relocation shall include:

• Proposed new address and contact information
• Reason for the proposed move
• Proposed revised parenting time schedule preserving the non-relocating parent's relationship with the child(ren)
• Impact on school enrollment, healthcare providers, and community ties
• Willingness to assume additional transportation costs

J.5 Pending Resolution

Neither parent shall relocate the child(ren) outside the geographic area of the current schedule until a written agreement is reached or a court order is entered.

PART K — SAFETY PROVISIONS

K.1 Domestic Violence

If a Final Restraining Order (FRO) under N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq. is in effect, its terms control over any conflicting provision of this Plan.

☐ FRO is currently in effect — Docket No.: [________________________________]
☐ FRO was previously entered and has been dismissed
☐ No FRO history

K.2 Supervised Parenting Time (if applicable)

☐ All parenting time for Parent [____] shall be supervised

• Supervisor: [________________________________]
• Location: [________________________________]
• Duration per session: [________________________________]
• Frequency: [________________________________]

K.3 Conditions on Parenting Time (if applicable)

☐ Drug/alcohol testing: ☐ Random ☐ Before each session — type: [________________________________]
☐ No overnight parenting time
☐ No alcohol within [____] hours of parenting time
☐ Completion of: ☐ Parenting classes ☐ Anger management ☐ Substance abuse treatment ☐ Batterers' intervention
☐ Ongoing therapy/counseling
☐ No contact between child(ren) and: [________________________________]
☐ Psychiatric/psychological evaluation
☐ Other: [________________________________]

K.4 Step-Up Plan

Conditions may be modified upon demonstrated compliance:

• Phase 1 (current): [________________________________]
• Phase 2 (after [____] months compliance): [________________________________]
• Phase 3 (after [____] months compliance): [________________________________]
• Advancement requires: ☐ Therapist recommendation ☐ Court approval ☐ Mutual agreement

K.5 Substance Use

Neither parent shall use controlled dangerous substances or consume alcohol to impairment during parenting time or within twelve (12) hours prior.

K.6 Firearms Safety

All firearms shall be stored unloaded in a locked container with ammunition stored separately, in compliance with N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1 et seq.

K.7 Introduction of New Partners

Each parent shall exercise reasonable judgment before introducing a new romantic partner to the child(ren). Neither parent shall allow a new partner with a history of domestic violence, sex offenses, or child abuse to have unsupervised contact with the child(ren).

PART L — DISPUTE RESOLUTION

L.1 Informal Resolution

Parents shall first attempt to resolve disagreements through direct, respectful communication.

L.2 Parenting Coordinator

Pursuant to Rule 5:8-1 et seq., the parties:
☐ Agree to appoint a Parenting Coordinator: [________________________________]
☐ Request the Court to appoint a Parenting Coordinator
☐ Decline a Parenting Coordinator at this time

The Parenting Coordinator may make binding recommendations on day-to-day scheduling and logistical disputes but may not modify legal custody, physical custody, or the fundamental parenting time framework.

L.3 CDR Mediation

Pursuant to Rule 1:40-5, contested custody and parenting time disputes shall be referred to the Family Part's Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR) mediation program. No mediation shall be ordered when a domestic violence restraining order is in effect.

L.4 Private Mediation

Before filing a non-emergency motion, the parents shall attempt private mediation with a qualified family mediator. The mediator shall not subsequently serve as a custody evaluator or make recommendations to the Court.
Cost: Parent A [____]% / Parent B [____]%

L.5 Custody Evaluation

Either parent or the Court may request a custody evaluation pursuant to the Standards for Child Custody Evaluation adopted by the New Jersey Courts. The evaluator shall assess the best interest factors under N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(c).

L.6 Guardian ad Litem / Best Interest Attorney

Pursuant to Rule 5:8B, either parent or the Court may request appointment of a Guardian ad Litem or Best Interest Attorney to represent the child(ren)'s interests.

L.7 Judicial Intervention

If all other methods are unsuccessful, either parent may file a motion with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part, [________________________________] County.

L.8 Emergency Relief

Nothing limits either parent's right to seek emergent relief to protect the child(ren)'s immediate safety.

PART M — FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

M.1 Case Information Statement

Each party shall file a Case Information Statement (CIS) as required by Rule 5:5-2 and Appendix V.

M.2 Health Insurance

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

M.3 Unreimbursed Medical Expenses

After insurance: Parent A [____]% / Parent B [____]%

M.4 Child Support

☐ Established at $[________________________________] per [week/month] from Parent [____]
☐ Addressed in separate order
☐ To be calculated per NJ Child Support Guidelines (Appendix IX)

Applicable worksheet: ☐ Sole parenting (IX-B) ☐ Shared parenting (IX-F)

M.5 Childcare / Daycare

Work-related childcare: Parent A [____]% / Parent B [____]%

M.6 Extracurricular Activities

Mutually agreed activity costs: Parent A [____]% / Parent B [____]%

M.7 Education Expenses

☐ Private school tuition: Parent A [____]% / Parent B [____]%
☐ College savings contributions: ☐ Joint ☐ Individual ☐ Not addressed

M.8 Tax Benefits

☐ Dependency exemption / child tax credit alternates: Parent [____] in even years, Parent [____] in odd years
☐ Split among children: [________________________________]
☐ Other: [________________________________]

PART N — PARENTING EDUCATION

Both parents shall complete a court-approved parenting education program if required.

☐ Both parents have completed the program. Certificate dates: Parent A [__/__/____]; Parent B [__/__/____]
☐ Both parents agree to complete the program within [____] days
☐ Not required at this time

PART O — CHILD'S PREFERENCE

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(c)(6) and the 2026 amendments:

☐ The child(ren) is/are not of sufficient age and capacity for their preference to be a significant factor.
☐ The child(ren)'s expressed preference has been considered and is consistent with this Plan.
☐ The child(ren)'s expressed preference differs from this Plan. Explanation for departure: [________________________________]

PART P — MODIFICATION AND REVIEW

P.1 Annual Review

The parents agree to review this Parenting Plan annually, or more frequently as the child(ren)'s needs change, and to discuss potential modifications in good faith.

P.2 Modification Standard

Modification of a custody or parenting time order requires a showing of changed circumstances affecting the child(ren)'s welfare. Todd v. Sheridan, 268 N.J. Super. 387 (App. Div. 1993).

P.3 Process

Modifications may be accomplished by:
(a) Written agreement of both parents, filed with the Court; or
(b) Motion to the Court upon a showing of changed circumstances.

PART Q — GENERAL PROVISIONS

Q.1 Governing Law. This Plan is governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey.

Q.2 Court Approval. This Plan shall be submitted to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part, [________________________________] County.

Q.3 Severability. Invalid provisions shall not affect the enforceability of remaining provisions.

Q.4 Integration. This Plan constitutes the entire parenting agreement between the parties.

Q.5 Counterparts. This Plan may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signature.

Q.6 Compliance. Both parents shall comply with all provisions. Willful noncompliance may be addressed through contempt proceedings.

EXECUTION

The undersigned parents execute this Parenting Plan voluntarily, without coercion, and with full understanding of its terms and significance.

PARENT A:

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

PARENT B:

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

CERTIFICATION

I certify that the foregoing statements made by me are true. I am aware that if any of the foregoing statements made by me are willfully false, I am subject to punishment.

Parent A Signature: _________________________________ Date: [__/__/____]
Parent B Signature: _________________________________ Date: [__/__/____]

CONSENT ORDER

SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
CHANCERY DIVISION — FAMILY PART
[________________________________] COUNTY
DOCKET NO.: FM-[____]-[________________________________]

The Court, having reviewed the foregoing Parenting Plan, the certifications of the parties, and any recommendation of the Guardian ad Litem, Best Interest Attorney, or custody evaluator, and having considered the best interest factors under N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(c), including the threshold safety assessment mandated by the 2026 amendments, and good cause appearing:

IT IS on this [____] day of [________________________________], 20[____], ORDERED that the Parenting Plan is hereby approved and incorporated into the judgment of this Court; and

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that both parties shall comply with all provisions of this Plan, which is enforceable as a court order.

_________________________________
Hon. [________________________________], J.S.C.
Superior Court of New Jersey
Chancery Division, Family Part
[________________________________] County

Sources and References

• N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 — Custody of child; best interest factors (as amended January 2026 by S4510/A5761)
• N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(c) — Fourteen enumerated best interest factors
• N.J.S.A. 9:2-1 et seq. — General custody provisions
• N.J.S.A. 9:2-2 — Removal of child from state; relocation
• N.J.S.A. 2A:34-53 et seq. — Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
• N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq. — Prevention of Domestic Violence Act
• N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1 et seq. — Firearms regulation
• Bisbing v. Bisbing, 230 N.J. 309 (2017) — Relocation best interests standard
• Todd v. Sheridan, 268 N.J. Super. 387 (App. Div. 1993) — Changed circumstances for modification
• Rule 1:40-5 — Complementary Dispute Resolution; Family Part mediation
• Rule 5:5-2 and Appendix V — Case Information Statement requirements
• Rule 5:8-1 et seq. — Family Part procedures; Parenting Coordinator program
• Rule 5:8B — Guardian ad Litem / Best Interest Attorney
• Appendix IX-B and IX-F — Child Support Guidelines worksheets
• New Jersey Revised Standards for Child Custody Evaluation (Directive #12-19)
• New Jersey Courts: www.njcourts.gov