Ohio Comprehensive Parenting Plan — Parenting Time and Responsibilities

OHIO COMPREHENSIVE PARENTING PLAN

Parenting Time and Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Under ORC §§ 3109.04 and 3109.051

OHIO PARENTING PLAN — STATUTORY CONTEXT

This Parenting Plan addresses the detailed logistics of co-parenting following separation, divorce, or dissolution. In Ohio, parenting arrangements operate within the following legal framework:

Allocation of Parental Rights (ORC § 3109.04): Ohio courts allocate parental rights and responsibilities — not "custody" in the traditional sense. The court designates a Residential Parent and Legal Custodian or approves a Shared Parenting Plan.

Parenting Time (ORC § 3109.051): Ohio uses the term "parenting time" rather than "visitation." The non-residential parent is entitled to reasonable parenting time, and the court considers sixteen statutory factors under ORC § 3109.051(D) when establishing a schedule.

Local Court Guidelines: Ohio's eighty-eight counties maintain varying local parenting time guidelines. The Ohio Supreme Court publishes Planning for Parenting Time: Ohio's Guide for Parents Living Apart as a statewide resource, but local rules in major counties (Cuyahoga County Local Rule 18, Franklin County Local Rule 27.1, Hamilton County Local Rules) often provide more detailed standard schedules.

Parental History Affidavit: ORC § 3109.04(M) requires each parent to file a Parental History Affidavit (Supreme Court Form GC JF 2.0) with any complaint or motion concerning parental rights.

Mediation: ORC § 3109.052 authorizes courts to order mediation of disputes regarding allocation of parental rights. Many Ohio counties require mediation before a contested hearing.

1. COURT AND CASE INFORMATION

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
[________________________________] COUNTY, OHIO

☐ Domestic Relations Division
☐ Juvenile Division (unmarried parents — ORC §§ 3109.042, 2151.23)

Case No.: [________________________________]

Judge / Magistrate: [________________________________]

1.1 Parties

Parent A (☐ Residential Parent / ☐ Shared Parenting):
Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Employer: [________________________________]
Work Schedule: [________________________________]

Parent B (☐ Non-Residential Parent / ☐ Shared Parenting):
Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Employer: [________________________________]
Work Schedule: [________________________________]

1.2 Minor Child(ren)

1.3 Context

This Parenting Plan ("Plan") is submitted in connection with:

☐ Dissolution of Marriage (ORC § 3105.61 et seq.)
☐ Divorce (ORC § 3105.01 et seq.)
☐ Legal Separation
☐ Allocation of parental rights — unmarried parents (ORC § 3109.042)
☐ Modification of prior order (ORC § 3109.04(E))
☐ Other: [________________________________]

1.4 Allocation Structure

This Plan accompanies the following allocation:

☐ Sole Residential Parent Designation — [________________________________] is the Residential Parent and Legal Custodian; this Plan governs parenting time for the non-residential parent.

☐ Shared Parenting Decree — Both parents share parenting under ORC § 3109.04(D); this Plan provides the detailed schedule and logistics. [________________________________] is designated Residential Parent for School Purposes under ORC § 3109.04(K).

1.5 Effective Date

This Plan is effective as of [__/__/____], or upon the Court's order incorporating this Plan, whichever is later.

1.6 Guiding Principles

Consistent with ORC §§ 3109.04 and 3109.051, the parents agree:

(a) The Children's health, safety, and welfare are the primary concern in all decisions;
(b) The Children shall have frequent and continuing contact with both parents;
(c) Both parents shall cooperate, communicate respectfully, and resolve conflicts constructively;
(d) Neither parent shall denigrate the other in the Children's presence or involve the Children in parental conflict;
(e) Both parents shall support the Children's relationship with the other parent.

2. PARENTING TIME SCHEDULE — REGULAR SCHOOL YEAR

2.1 Distance Between Parents' Residences

☐ Parents reside within 60 miles of each other — Local schedule applies
☐ Parents reside more than 60 miles apart — Long-distance schedule applies (see Section 2.6)

2.2 Regular Schedule (Parents Within 60 Miles)

Non-Residential Parent's Parenting Time (or shared schedule):

A. Weekends:

☐ Every other weekend from Friday at [____] PM to Sunday at [____] PM
☐ Every other weekend from Friday at [____] PM to Monday morning school drop-off
☐ First, third, and fifth weekends from Friday at [____] PM to Sunday at [____] PM
☐ Alternating weeks (shared parenting 50/50 — see Section 2.3)
☐ Other: [________________________________]

B. Midweek Parenting Time:

☐ Every [________________________________] (day) from [____] PM to [____] PM (dinner visit, no overnight)
☐ Every [________________________________] (day) from after school to the following morning school drop-off (overnight)
☐ Two midweek visits per week: [________________________________]
☐ No midweek parenting time
☐ Other: [________________________________]

2.3 Shared Parenting Schedules (If Shared Parenting Decree)

☐ Alternating Weeks: Parent A: Sunday [____] PM through the following Sunday [____] PM; then Parent B for the next week.

☐ 2-2-3 Rotation:
Week 1: Mon-Tue Parent A; Wed-Thu Parent B; Fri-Sun Parent A
Week 2: Mon-Tue Parent B; Wed-Thu Parent A; Fri-Sun Parent B

☐ 5-2-2-5:
Mon-Tue: Always Parent A; Wed-Thu: Always Parent B; Fri-Sun: Alternating

☐ 3-4-4-3:
Week 1: Mon-Wed Parent A; Thu-Sun Parent B
Week 2: Mon-Thu Parent A; Fri-Sun Parent B

☐ Custom: [________________________________]

2.4 Age-Specific Considerations

Ohio's Guide for Parents Living Apart recommends age-appropriate schedules:

Infants and Toddlers (0-2):
☐ Shorter, more frequent visits with non-residential parent to maintain bonding
☐ Gradually increasing overnight stays as child adjusts
☐ Specific schedule: [________________________________]

Preschool (3-5):
☐ Regular overnight visits with non-residential parent
☐ No more than [____] consecutive days without contact with either parent
☐ Specific schedule: [________________________________]

School Age (6-11):
☐ Standard schedule per Section 2.2 or 2.3
☐ Adjusted for school and activity schedules: [________________________________]

Adolescents (12-17):
☐ Standard schedule with flexibility for the child's social and activity commitments
☐ Child's preferences considered (ORC § 3109.04(F)(1)(b))
☐ Specific adjustments: [________________________________]

2.5 Summer Schedule

A. Summer Parenting Time:

☐ Regular schedule continues through summer

☐ Non-residential parent receives [____] weeks of extended summer time
Written notice of dates by: [________________________________] each year
If dates conflict, Parent A has priority in ☐ even / ☐ odd years

☐ Summer shared equally — alternating weeks or two-week blocks

☐ Custom summer schedule:
[________________________________]

B. During Extended Summer Time:
☐ The other parent shall have one weekend of parenting time during each two-week block
☐ The other parent shall have midweek phone/video contact
☐ Other: [________________________________]

2.6 Long-Distance Schedule (Parents More Than 60 Miles Apart)

☐ Non-residential parent shall have:
Extended winter break: [________________________________]
Spring break: [________________________________]
Extended summer: [____] weeks, with written notice by [________________________________]
Additional long weekends (e.g., three-day weekends): [________________________________]
Monthly weekend visits when feasible: [________________________________]

☐ Transportation and travel costs:
☐ Shared equally
☐ [____]% Parent A / [____]% Parent B
☐ Non-residential parent bears all costs
☐ Other: [________________________________]

3. HOLIDAY AND SPECIAL OCCASION SCHEDULE

Holidays supersede the regular schedule.

3.1 Holiday Allocation

3.2 Children's Birthdays

☐ Alternating years: Parent [____] in even years; Parent [____] in odd years
☐ Shared celebration: The non-custodial parent may have [____] hours on the birthday
☐ Each parent may hold a separate celebration during their parenting time
☐ Other: [________________________________]

3.3 Parents' Birthdays and Special Occasions

☐ Children spend the evening of each parent's birthday with that parent
☐ Cultural or religious observances: [________________________________]
☐ Other: [________________________________]

4. TRANSPORTATION AND EXCHANGE

4.1 Exchange Location

☐ School (drop-off/pick-up)
☐ Receiving parent's residence (curbside)
☐ Neutral public location: [________________________________]
☐ Supervised exchange location: [________________________________]
☐ Other: [________________________________]

4.2 Transportation Responsibilities

☐ Receiving parent picks up the Children
☐ Delivering parent drops off the Children
☐ Transportation shared — Parent A delivers to Parent B; Parent B delivers to Parent A
☐ Other: [________________________________]

4.3 Exchange Protocols

(a) Children shall be ready at the designated time with clothing, homework, medications, and personal items sufficient for the parenting period.
(b) Exchanges shall occur within a [____]-minute grace period.
(c) If a parent will be more than [____] minutes late, that parent shall notify the other as soon as possible.
(d) Neither parent shall engage in conflict or discuss disputed matters during exchanges.
(e) Each parent shall ensure the Children have appropriate car seats and safety restraints.

4.4 Personal Belongings

(a) Each parent shall ensure the Children's clothing, school supplies, medications, eyeglasses, and other necessary items travel with the Children.
(b) ☐ Each parent shall maintain a basic set of clothing and toiletries at their residence.
(c) Sentimental or valuable items (electronics, instruments, sports equipment) shall travel with the Children as needed for activities.

5. DECISION-MAKING AND PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Major Decision-Making Authority

☐ Sole Decision-Making by Residential Parent — The Residential Parent and Legal Custodian ([________________________________]) has authority to make all major decisions, with an expectation of consulting the non-residential parent when practical.

☐ Shared Decision-Making — Both parents must consult and agree on major decisions (see detailed protocol in separate Shared Parenting Plan).

5.2 Categories of Major Decisions

Major decisions include:
(a) Education: School enrollment, school changes, IEP/504 evaluations and services, tutoring, homeschooling;
(b) Non-Emergency Medical/Dental: Selection of providers, elective procedures, vaccinations, orthodontics, medications for chronic conditions;
(c) Mental Health: Counseling, therapy, psychiatric evaluation, psychotropic medications;
(d) Religious Upbringing: Religious instruction, ceremonies, and regular observance;
(e) Extracurricular Activities: Enrollment in activities that require significant cost or affect the other parent's parenting time;
(f) Travel: Out-of-state travel exceeding [____] days; all international travel;
(g) Legal Matters: Driver's license, legal actions on behalf of the Children.

5.3 Emergency Decisions

The parent with physical care at the time of an emergency may authorize any medical treatment necessary to protect the Children's health or safety. That parent shall notify the other parent within 24 hours.

5.4 Routine Decisions During Parenting Time

Each parent may make routine daily decisions (meals, bedtime, homework, hygiene, minor social activities) during their parenting time without consultation.

6. COMMUNICATION

6.1 Communication Between Parents

Parents shall communicate primarily through:
☐ OurFamilyWizard ☐ TalkingParents ☐ Email ☐ Text message ☐ Other: [________________________________]

(a) Communication shall be respectful, business-like, and child-focused.
(b) Response times: [____] hours for routine matters; [____] hours for urgent matters.
(c) Communication shall be free from profanity, threats, insults, or disparaging remarks.

6.2 Parent-Child Communication During Other Parent's Time

☐ Daily phone or video contact at approximately [____] AM/PM, for up to [____] minutes
☐ As mutually agreed at reasonable times
☐ Other: [________________________________]

(a) Neither parent shall monitor, record, or interfere with the Children's communication with the other parent (except as reasonably necessary for very young children).
(b) The parent with the Children shall ensure they have access to a phone or device for communication.

6.3 Non-Disparagement

(a) 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 Children's presence.
(b) Neither parent shall discuss court proceedings, financial disputes, or adult matters with the Children.
(c) Neither parent shall use the Children as messengers or interrogate the Children about the other parent's activities.

7. ACCESS TO RECORDS AND INFORMATION

7.1 Equal Access to Records

Both parents shall have full and equal access to:
(a) School records, report cards, progress reports, IEP/504 documents, and teacher communications;
(b) Medical, dental, and vision records;
(c) Mental health and counseling records;
(d) Extracurricular activity schedules;
(e) Childcare and daycare records.

7.2 Listing on Records

Both parents shall be listed as parents and emergency contacts on all school, medical, and childcare records. Both parents shall be entitled to communicate directly with teachers, physicians, counselors, and other professionals.

7.3 Prompt Notification

(a) Each parent shall notify the other within 24 hours of any emergency, serious illness, injury, or hospitalization involving the Children.
(b) Each parent shall provide copies of report cards, school notices, and medical records within [____] days of receipt.
(c) Each parent shall notify the other of school events, conferences, and extracurricular events with sufficient advance notice for attendance.

8. RELOCATION (ORC § 3109.051(G))

8.1 Statutory Notice Requirement

Under ORC § 3109.051(G), if either parent intends to move to a residence other than the residence specified in the Court's order, that parent must file a Notice of Intent to Relocate with the Court. The Court shall send a copy to the other parent (subject to domestic violence exceptions).

8.2 Content of Notice

The notice shall include:
(a) The intended new address;
(b) The reason for the move;
(c) The proposed effective date;
(d) A proposed revised parenting time schedule.

8.3 Court Review

Upon receipt of the notice, the Court, on its own motion or on the motion of the non-relocating parent, may schedule a hearing to determine whether revision of the parenting time schedule is in the best interest of the Children.

8.4 Geographic Restriction (Optional)

☐ No geographic restriction applies.
☐ The residential parent shall not relocate the Children outside of [________________________________] without the other parent's written consent or a court order.
☐ Other: [________________________________]

9. CHILD-REARING PROVISIONS

9.1 Consistency

Parents shall make reasonable efforts to maintain consistency across both households regarding:
(a) Bedtime and wake-up routines;
(b) Homework expectations;
(c) Screen time limits;
(d) Discipline approaches (corporal punishment shall not be used);
(e) Dietary requirements related to health or allergies.

9.2 Introduction of New Partners

(a) A new romantic partner shall not be introduced to the Children until the relationship has been stable for at least [____] months.
(b) ☐ No overnight exposure to a romantic partner during parenting time until [________________________________].
(c) Children shall not be asked to refer to a new partner by a parental title.

9.3 Substance Use

(a) Neither parent shall use controlled substances (except as lawfully prescribed) during parenting time or within [____] hours beforehand.
(b) Neither parent shall consume alcohol to the point of impairment during parenting time.
(c) Neither parent shall allow any impaired person to care for the Children.

9.4 Firearms Safety

All firearms shall be stored unloaded in a locked container with ammunition stored separately, inaccessible to the Children.

9.5 Attendance at Events

Both parents may attend the Children's school events, performances, sporting events, and activities. Parents shall conduct themselves respectfully toward each other at all events.

10. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO PARENTING

10.1 Child Support

☐ Child support is addressed in a separate order.
☐ Calculated per Ohio Child Support Guidelines (ORC § 3119.02 et seq.). See attached worksheet.

10.2 Health Insurance

[________________________________] shall maintain health, dental, and vision insurance for the Children.

10.3 Unreimbursed Medical Expenses

Divided: ☐ Equally (50/50) ☐ Proportionally: [____]% / [____]%
Documentation within 30 days; reimbursement within 30 days of documentation.

10.4 Childcare and Education Costs

☐ Shared equally ☐ Proportionally: [____]% / [____]% ☐ Other: [________________________________]

10.5 Extracurricular Activity Costs

☐ Shared equally ☐ Proportionally: [____]% / [____]% ☐ Responsibility of enrolling parent ☐ Other: [________________________________]

11. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SAFETY SCREENING

☐ No domestic violence history.

☐ Domestic violence history exists. [________________________________] has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to domestic violence (ORC § 2919.25) or abuse/neglect. The Court has considered this under ORC § 3109.04(F)(1)(h). Safety provisions: [________________________________]

☐ Active Civil Protection Order. Case No. [________________________________]. This Plan is consistent with the CPO.

☐ Supervised parenting time required. Supervision provisions: [________________________________]

12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

12.1 Good-Faith Communication

Parents shall first attempt direct, respectful resolution.

12.2 Mediation (ORC § 3109.052)

If direct communication fails, parents shall participate in mediation before filing a motion with the Court (except emergencies).

☐ Court-connected mediation
☐ Private mediator: [________________________________]
Cost: ☐ Equal ☐ [____]% / [____]%

County-specific programs:
☐ Cuyahoga County — Mediation Program (Local Rule 32)
☐ Franklin County — Court-connected mediation
☐ Hamilton County — Domestic Relations Court Mediation
☐ Other: [________________________________]

12.3 Court

If mediation fails, either parent may file a motion. The Court applies ORC § 3109.04(F)(1) best interest factors.

12.4 Governing Law and Forum

Governed by Ohio law (ORC Chapters 3109, 3119, and 3127 (UCCJEA)). The Court of Common Pleas, [________________________________] County, Ohio retains exclusive, continuing jurisdiction.

13. MODIFICATION AND REVIEW

13.1 Modification Standard

This Plan may be modified under ORC § 3109.04(E) upon a showing of changed circumstances and best interest, or by mutual stipulation with Court approval.

13.2 Periodic Review

☐ Annually on or about [________________________________]
☐ Upon a Child entering middle school, high school, or reaching age 12
☐ Upon a significant change in circumstances
☐ Other: [________________________________]

14. REQUIRED FILINGS CHECKLIST

☐ Parental History Affidavit (Supreme Court Form GC JF 2.0) — Required by ORC § 3109.04(M)
☐ This Parenting Plan
☐ Shared Parenting Plan (if applicable — Supreme Court Form 20)
☐ Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet
☐ Income documentation per ORC § 3119.05
☐ Health insurance documentation
☐ GAL Report (if GAL appointed under Sup.R. 48)
☐ Mediation report or certificate (if required by local rule)
☐ Notice of Intent to Relocate (ORC § 3109.051(G)) — if applicable
☐ Proposed Judgment Entry

15. EXECUTION

PARENT A:

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

PARENT B:

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

ATTORNEY FOR PARENT A (if applicable):

Signature: _________________________________
Print Name: [________________________________]
Ohio Supreme Court Registration No.: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

ATTORNEY FOR PARENT B (if applicable):

Signature: _________________________________
Print Name: [________________________________]
Ohio Supreme Court Registration No.: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

16. ORDER OF THE COURT

The Court, having reviewed this Parenting Plan and the Parental History Affidavit(s), and being otherwise fully advised, finds that this Plan serves the best interest of the minor child(ren) under ORC §§ 3109.04(F)(1) and 3109.051(D).

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that this Parenting Plan is approved and incorporated as an order of this Court, effective [__/__/____].

SIGNED this [____] day of [________________________________], 20[____].

_________________________________
Judge / Magistrate
Court of Common Pleas
[________________________________] County, Ohio

☐ Magistrate's Decision — Parties are advised of their right to file objections within fourteen (14) days per Ohio Civ.R. 53(D)(3)(b).

Sources and References

Ohio Revised Code

• ORC § 3109.04 — Allocating Parental Rights and Responsibilities: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3109.04
• ORC § 3109.051 — Parenting Time Rights: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3109.051
• ORC § 3109.051(D) — Sixteen factors for parenting time determinations
• ORC § 3109.051(F)(2) — Standard parenting time orders and local court guidelines
• ORC § 3109.051(G) — Notice of intent to relocate
• ORC § 3109.052 — Mediation of parental rights disputes
• ORC § 3109.042 — Custody rights of unmarried mother: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3109.042
• ORC § 3109.04(M) — Parental History Affidavit requirement
• ORC § 3113.31 — Domestic violence: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3113.31
• ORC § 3119.02 et seq. — Ohio Child Support Guidelines

Ohio Supreme Court Publications and Forms

• Planning for Parenting Time: Ohio's Guide for Parents Living Apart: https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/docs/Publications/JCS/parentingGuide.pdf
• Sup.R. 48 — Guardian ad Litem Standards
• Uniform Domestic Relations Form GC JF 2.0 — Parental History Affidavit
• Uniform Domestic Relations Form 20 — Shared Parenting Plan
• Uniform Domestic Relations Form 21 — Parenting Plan

County-Specific Parenting Time Guidelines

• Cuyahoga County — Local Rule 18 (Shared Parenting; Parenting Time Guidelines): https://domestic.cuyahogacounty.gov/court-rules/local-rules/rule-18-shared-parenting
• Cuyahoga County — Parenting Time Guidelines for Non-Residential Parent: https://domestic.cuyahogacounty.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/parentingtimeguidelines.pdf
• Franklin County — Local Rule 27.1 (Parenting Time Schedules): https://drj.fccourts.org
• Lucas County — Local Rule 23A (Standard Parenting Time Guidelines)
• Stark County — Family Law Revised Code Resources: https://www.starkcountyohio.gov/government/legal___judicial/family_court/resources/family_law_revised_code.php

Prepared for attorney review. This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.