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north-carolina

What Is a Parenting Plan in North Carolina?

A parenting plan is a written agreement outlining how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. In North Carolina, parenting plans are required in all cases involving child custody and serve as a roadmap for co-parenting.

The plan covers everything from daily schedules to holiday arrangements to decision-making authority. Once approved by the court, it becomes a legally binding court order that both parents must follow.

North Carolina Parenting Plan Requirements

North Carolina law requires parents to submit a parenting plan to the court. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.2, parents must address all aspects of the child's care, custody, and upbringing.

Key Requirements Under North Carolina Law:

Mandatory Elements:

  • Residential schedule showing where child will be at all times

  • Allocation of parental rights and decision-making responsibilities

  • Child support payment arrangements

  • Medical, dental, and vision care provisions

  • Educational decisions and school arrangements

  • Holiday, vacation, and special occasion schedules

  • Transportation and exchange logistics

Best Interest Factors:

North Carolina courts evaluate parenting plans based on the child's best interests, considering:

  • Child's age, developmental needs, and preferences (when age-appropriate)

  • Each parent's ability to provide stability and meet child's needs

  • Child's relationship and attachment to each parent and siblings

  • Parents' demonstrated willingness to cooperate and communicate

  • Child's adjustment to home, school, and community

  • Mental and physical health of all family members

  • History of domestic violence, abuse, or substance issues

  • Geographic proximity between parents' residences

  • Each parent's work schedule and availability

What Is a Parenting Plan in North Carolina?

A parenting plan is a written agreement outlining how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. In North Carolina, parenting plans are required in all cases involving child custody and serve as a roadmap for co-parenting.

The plan covers everything from daily schedules to holiday arrangements to decision-making authority. Once approved by the court, it becomes a legally binding court order that both parents must follow.

North Carolina Parenting Plan Requirements

North Carolina law requires parents to submit a parenting plan to the court. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.2, parents must address all aspects of the child's care, custody, and upbringing.

Key Requirements Under North Carolina Law:

Mandatory Elements:

  • Residential schedule showing where child will be at all times

  • Allocation of parental rights and decision-making responsibilities

  • Child support payment arrangements

  • Medical, dental, and vision care provisions

  • Educational decisions and school arrangements

  • Holiday, vacation, and special occasion schedules

  • Transportation and exchange logistics

Best Interest Factors:

North Carolina courts evaluate parenting plans based on the child's best interests, considering:

  • Child's age, developmental needs, and preferences (when age-appropriate)

  • Each parent's ability to provide stability and meet child's needs

  • Child's relationship and attachment to each parent and siblings

  • Parents' demonstrated willingness to cooperate and communicate

  • Child's adjustment to home, school, and community

  • Mental and physical health of all family members

  • History of domestic violence, abuse, or substance issues

  • Geographic proximity between parents' residences

  • Each parent's work schedule and availability

What Is a Parenting Plan in North Carolina?

A parenting plan is a written agreement outlining how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. In North Carolina, parenting plans are required in all cases involving child custody and serve as a roadmap for co-parenting.

The plan covers everything from daily schedules to holiday arrangements to decision-making authority. Once approved by the court, it becomes a legally binding court order that both parents must follow.

North Carolina Parenting Plan Requirements

North Carolina law requires parents to submit a parenting plan to the court. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.2, parents must address all aspects of the child's care, custody, and upbringing.

Key Requirements Under North Carolina Law:

Mandatory Elements:

  • Residential schedule showing where child will be at all times

  • Allocation of parental rights and decision-making responsibilities

  • Child support payment arrangements

  • Medical, dental, and vision care provisions

  • Educational decisions and school arrangements

  • Holiday, vacation, and special occasion schedules

  • Transportation and exchange logistics

Best Interest Factors:

North Carolina courts evaluate parenting plans based on the child's best interests, considering:

  • Child's age, developmental needs, and preferences (when age-appropriate)

  • Each parent's ability to provide stability and meet child's needs

  • Child's relationship and attachment to each parent and siblings

  • Parents' demonstrated willingness to cooperate and communicate

  • Child's adjustment to home, school, and community

  • Mental and physical health of all family members

  • History of domestic violence, abuse, or substance issues

  • Geographic proximity between parents' residences

  • Each parent's work schedule and availability

What Is a Parenting Plan in North Carolina?

A parenting plan is a written agreement outlining how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. In North Carolina, parenting plans are required in all cases involving child custody and serve as a roadmap for co-parenting.

The plan covers everything from daily schedules to holiday arrangements to decision-making authority. Once approved by the court, it becomes a legally binding court order that both parents must follow.

North Carolina Parenting Plan Requirements

North Carolina law requires parents to submit a parenting plan to the court. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.2, parents must address all aspects of the child's care, custody, and upbringing.

Key Requirements Under North Carolina Law:

Mandatory Elements:

  • Residential schedule showing where child will be at all times

  • Allocation of parental rights and decision-making responsibilities

  • Child support payment arrangements

  • Medical, dental, and vision care provisions

  • Educational decisions and school arrangements

  • Holiday, vacation, and special occasion schedules

  • Transportation and exchange logistics

Best Interest Factors:

North Carolina courts evaluate parenting plans based on the child's best interests, considering:

  • Child's age, developmental needs, and preferences (when age-appropriate)

  • Each parent's ability to provide stability and meet child's needs

  • Child's relationship and attachment to each parent and siblings

  • Parents' demonstrated willingness to cooperate and communicate

  • Child's adjustment to home, school, and community

  • Mental and physical health of all family members

  • History of domestic violence, abuse, or substance issues

  • Geographic proximity between parents' residences

  • Each parent's work schedule and availability

What Is a Parenting Plan in North Carolina?

A parenting plan is a written agreement outlining how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. In North Carolina, parenting plans are required in all cases involving child custody and serve as a roadmap for co-parenting.

The plan covers everything from daily schedules to holiday arrangements to decision-making authority. Once approved by the court, it becomes a legally binding court order that both parents must follow.

North Carolina Parenting Plan Requirements

North Carolina law requires parents to submit a parenting plan to the court. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.2, parents must address all aspects of the child's care, custody, and upbringing.

Key Requirements Under North Carolina Law:

Mandatory Elements:

  • Residential schedule showing where child will be at all times

  • Allocation of parental rights and decision-making responsibilities

  • Child support payment arrangements

  • Medical, dental, and vision care provisions

  • Educational decisions and school arrangements

  • Holiday, vacation, and special occasion schedules

  • Transportation and exchange logistics

Best Interest Factors:

North Carolina courts evaluate parenting plans based on the child's best interests, considering:

  • Child's age, developmental needs, and preferences (when age-appropriate)

  • Each parent's ability to provide stability and meet child's needs

  • Child's relationship and attachment to each parent and siblings

  • Parents' demonstrated willingness to cooperate and communicate

  • Child's adjustment to home, school, and community

  • Mental and physical health of all family members

  • History of domestic violence, abuse, or substance issues

  • Geographic proximity between parents' residences

  • Each parent's work schedule and availability

What Is a Parenting Plan in North Carolina?

A parenting plan is a written agreement outlining how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. In North Carolina, parenting plans are required in all cases involving child custody and serve as a roadmap for co-parenting.

The plan covers everything from daily schedules to holiday arrangements to decision-making authority. Once approved by the court, it becomes a legally binding court order that both parents must follow.

North Carolina Parenting Plan Requirements

North Carolina law requires parents to submit a parenting plan to the court. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.2, parents must address all aspects of the child's care, custody, and upbringing.

Key Requirements Under North Carolina Law:

Mandatory Elements:

  • Residential schedule showing where child will be at all times

  • Allocation of parental rights and decision-making responsibilities

  • Child support payment arrangements

  • Medical, dental, and vision care provisions

  • Educational decisions and school arrangements

  • Holiday, vacation, and special occasion schedules

  • Transportation and exchange logistics

Best Interest Factors:

North Carolina courts evaluate parenting plans based on the child's best interests, considering:

  • Child's age, developmental needs, and preferences (when age-appropriate)

  • Each parent's ability to provide stability and meet child's needs

  • Child's relationship and attachment to each parent and siblings

  • Parents' demonstrated willingness to cooperate and communicate

  • Child's adjustment to home, school, and community

  • Mental and physical health of all family members

  • History of domestic violence, abuse, or substance issues

  • Geographic proximity between parents' residences

  • Each parent's work schedule and availability

RETAINER FEE


PETITION





COURT FILING FEE

SUMMONS


AFFIDAVIT


MOTIONS


ARGUMENTS


TEMPORARY ORDERS

HEARINGS


SUBPOENAS


DEPOSITIONS


SETTLEMENT

CONFERENCES

JUDGEMENT





TRIAL


APPEALS

What Is a Parenting Plan in North Carolina?

A parenting plan is a written agreement outlining how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. In North Carolina, parenting plans are required in all cases involving child custody and serve as a roadmap for co-parenting.

The plan covers everything from daily schedules to holiday arrangements to decision-making authority. Once approved by the court, it becomes a legally binding court order that both parents must follow.

North Carolina Parenting Plan Requirements

North Carolina law requires parents to submit a parenting plan to the court. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.2, parents must address all aspects of the child's care, custody, and upbringing.

Key Requirements Under North Carolina Law:

Mandatory Elements:

  • Residential schedule showing where child will be at all times

  • Allocation of parental rights and decision-making responsibilities

  • Child support payment arrangements

  • Medical, dental, and vision care provisions

  • Educational decisions and school arrangements

  • Holiday, vacation, and special occasion schedules

  • Transportation and exchange logistics

Best Interest Factors:

North Carolina courts evaluate parenting plans based on the child's best interests, considering:

  • Child's age, developmental needs, and preferences (when age-appropriate)

  • Each parent's ability to provide stability and meet child's needs

  • Child's relationship and attachment to each parent and siblings

  • Parents' demonstrated willingness to cooperate and communicate

  • Child's adjustment to home, school, and community

  • Mental and physical health of all family members

  • History of domestic violence, abuse, or substance issues

  • Geographic proximity between parents' residences

  • Each parent's work schedule and availability

What Is a Parenting Plan in North Carolina?

A parenting plan is a written agreement outlining how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. In North Carolina, parenting plans are required in all cases involving child custody and serve as a roadmap for co-parenting.

The plan covers everything from daily schedules to holiday arrangements to decision-making authority. Once approved by the court, it becomes a legally binding court order that both parents must follow.

North Carolina Parenting Plan Requirements

North Carolina law requires parents to submit a parenting plan to the court. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.2, parents must address all aspects of the child's care, custody, and upbringing.

Key Requirements Under North Carolina Law:

Mandatory Elements:

  • Residential schedule showing where child will be at all times

  • Allocation of parental rights and decision-making responsibilities

  • Child support payment arrangements

  • Medical, dental, and vision care provisions

  • Educational decisions and school arrangements

  • Holiday, vacation, and special occasion schedules

  • Transportation and exchange logistics

Best Interest Factors:

North Carolina courts evaluate parenting plans based on the child's best interests, considering:

  • Child's age, developmental needs, and preferences (when age-appropriate)

  • Each parent's ability to provide stability and meet child's needs

  • Child's relationship and attachment to each parent and siblings

  • Parents' demonstrated willingness to cooperate and communicate

  • Child's adjustment to home, school, and community

  • Mental and physical health of all family members

  • History of domestic violence, abuse, or substance issues

  • Geographic proximity between parents' residences

  • Each parent's work schedule and availability

Other Articles:

Other Articles:

We've helped with

over 1 million divorces

We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.

Proudly featured in these publications

Real Answers. Real Support.

We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

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"The Most Trusted

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Exclusive

Online Divorce Partner

Best

Online Divorce Service

ADVISOR

We offer a guided path through divorce that helps avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.

Written By:

Tina Graham

COO, Divorce.com

What Is a Parenting Plan in North Carolina?

A parenting plan is a written agreement outlining how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. In North Carolina, parenting plans are required in all cases involving child custody and serve as a roadmap for co-parenting.

The plan covers everything from daily schedules to holiday arrangements to decision-making authority. Once approved by the court, it becomes a legally binding court order that both parents must follow.

North Carolina Parenting Plan Requirements

North Carolina law requires parents to submit a parenting plan to the court. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.2, parents must address all aspects of the child's care, custody, and upbringing.

Key Requirements Under North Carolina Law:

Mandatory Elements:

  • Residential schedule showing where child will be at all times

  • Allocation of parental rights and decision-making responsibilities

  • Child support payment arrangements

  • Medical, dental, and vision care provisions

  • Educational decisions and school arrangements

  • Holiday, vacation, and special occasion schedules

  • Transportation and exchange logistics

Best Interest Factors:

North Carolina courts evaluate parenting plans based on the child's best interests, considering:

  • Child's age, developmental needs, and preferences (when age-appropriate)

  • Each parent's ability to provide stability and meet child's needs

  • Child's relationship and attachment to each parent and siblings

  • Parents' demonstrated willingness to cooperate and communicate

  • Child's adjustment to home, school, and community

  • Mental and physical health of all family members

  • History of domestic violence, abuse, or substance issues

  • Geographic proximity between parents' residences

  • Each parent's work schedule and availability

1. Residential Schedule

  • School year weekly schedule with specific days/times

  • Summer schedule variations

  • Pick-up and drop-off times and locations

  • Transportation responsibilities

2. Holiday and Special Occasion Schedule

  • Thanksgiving, Christmas/Hanukkah, Easter

  • Spring break and winter break

  • Mother's Day and Father's Day

  • Child's birthday and parents' birthdays

  • Other religious or cultural holidays

3. Decision-Making Authority

  • Legal custody allocation (education, medical, religious decisions)

  • Joint vs. sole decision-making arrangements

  • Emergency decision protocols

  • Dispute resolution for disagreements

4. Communication and Access

  • Parent-child communication schedule (calls, video chats)

  • Parent-parent communication methods (email, text, apps)

  • Response timeframes for urgent vs. non-urgent matters

  • Information sharing about child's wellbeing, school, activities

5. Child Support

  • Payment amount and schedule

  • Healthcare coverage responsibility

  • Division of unreimbursed medical expenses

  • Childcare expense allocation

  • How expenses are documented and reimbursed

6. Healthcare

  • Selection of primary care physician

  • Medical appointment scheduling and attendance

  • Emergency medical decision protocol

  • Prescription medication management between homes

  • Health insurance coverage details

7. Education and Childcare

  • School selection and enrollment decisions

  • How school information is shared between parents

  • Parent-teacher conference attendance

  • Homework responsibilities and support

  • Daycare provider selection and arrangements

8. Extracurricular Activities

  • How activities are chosen and approved

  • Cost sharing arrangements

  • Transportation to/from activities

  • Both parents' attendance at events and games

9. Transportation and Exchange

  • Specific pick-up and drop-off locations

  • Responsibility allocation for transportation

  • Neutral exchange locations if needed

  • Protocols if parent is late

  • Child safety seat requirements

10. Dispute Resolution

  • Mediation requirement before returning to court

  • Mediator selection process

  • Cost allocation for mediation

  • Timeline for resolution attempts

Step 1: Understand Your Child's Needs

Consider your child's:

  • Age and developmental stage

  • School schedule and location

  • Extracurricular commitments

  • Medical or special needs

  • Relationship with each parent

  • Siblings' needs and schedules

Step 2: Evaluate Practical Factors

Logistics:

  • Distance between parents' homes

  • Work schedules and flexibility

  • School district boundaries

  • Transportation availability

  • Support systems (grandparents, extended family)

Parenting Capacity:

  • Each parent's availability

  • Parenting skills and experience

  • Home environment stability

  • Ability to meet child's specific needs

Step 3: Draft the Plan

If You Agree:

  1. Discuss and negotiate all terms together

  2. Use state-approved court forms

  3. Ensure both parents sign

  4. Submit to court for approval

If You Disagree:

  1. Each parent drafts their own proposed plan

  2. Submit both plans to court

  3. Attend mediation if required by court

  4. Court decides based on child's best interests

Step 4: Include All Required Information

Use official state forms ensuring:

  • All mandatory elements included

  • Specific, detailed schedules (not vague terms)

  • Clear decision-making allocation

  • Comprehensive dispute resolution process

  • Both parents' current contact information

Step 5: Get Court Approval

Filing Process:

  1. Complete parenting plan form

  2. File with family/domestic relations court

  3. Pay required filing fees

  4. Serve other parent if contested

  5. Attend hearing if scheduled

  6. Receive signed court order

RETAINER FEE


PETITION





COURT FILING FEE

SUMMONS


AFFIDAVIT


MOTIONS


ARGUMENTS


TEMPORARY ORDERS

HEARINGS


SUBPOENAS


DEPOSITIONS


SETTLEMENT

CONFERENCES

JUDGEMENT





TRIAL


APPEALS

RETAINER FEE


PETITION





COURT FILING FEE

SUMMONS


AFFIDAVIT


MOTIONS


ARGUMENTS


TEMPORARY ORDERS

HEARINGS


SUBPOENAS


DEPOSITIONS


SETTLEMENT

CONFERENCES

JUDGEMENT





TRIAL


APPEALS

Shared Parenting (Joint Custody)

What It Means:

  • Both parents share decision-making authority

  • Significant parenting time with both parents

  • Requires ongoing cooperation and communication

  • Flexible, customizable time-sharing arrangements

Benefits:

  • Both parents remain actively involved

  • Shared parental responsibility and burden

  • Often better for children's emotional wellbeing

  • Can be tailored to family's unique needs

Challenges:

  • Requires substantial cooperation between parents

  • More complex logistics and scheduling

  • Potential for ongoing conflict

  • May be difficult with high-conflict co-parents

  • Requires parents living reasonably close

Sole Custody

What It Means:

  • One parent is primary residential and legal custodian

  • Other parent typically has visitation/parenting time

  • One parent makes major decisions independently

  • Less equal distribution of parenting time

When It's Appropriate:

  • History of domestic violence or abuse

  • Substance abuse issues

  • Parent unable or unwilling to co-parent effectively

  • Significant geographic distance between homes

  • One parent has been absent or minimally involved

  • Mental health concerns affecting parenting ability

When You Can Modify

State law allows modification when there has been:

  • Material/substantial change in circumstances

  • Change affecting the child's best interests

  • Significant change in parent or child's situation

Common Examples of Changes:

  • Parent relocation to different city or state

  • Significant change in work schedule

  • Child's changing needs as they age

  • Parent remarriage or new household members

  • Safety concerns or domestic violence

  • Changes in school enrollment

  • Development of special needs

  • Parent's military deployment

How to Modify

If Both Parents Agree:

  1. Draft modified parenting plan together

  2. File motion to modify with court

  3. Submit agreed-upon modification

  4. Attend brief hearing (sometimes waived)

  5. Court issues new order

If Parents Disagree:

  1. File motion to modify with court

  2. Demonstrate substantial change in circumstances

  3. Attend court-ordered mediation

  4. Present evidence at modification hearing

  5. Court decides based on child's best interests

Important: You MUST get court approval for all modifications. Informal agreements between parents don't change the legal order and aren't enforceable.

1. Being Too Vague

Don't Say: "Reasonable visitation" or "Parents will work it out"

Do Say: "Parent B has parenting time every Wednesday 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM and alternating weekends Friday 3:00 PM through Sunday 6:00 PM"

2. Ignoring the Child's Schedule

Always consider:

  • School start and end times

  • Extracurricular activity commitments

  • Homework and study needs

  • Social activities with peers

  • Age-appropriate sleep requirements

  • Travel time between homes

3. Creating an Unrealistic Schedule

Common Issues:

  • Too many transitions (excessive exchanges)

  • Unreasonable drive times for young children

  • Ignoring parents' actual work schedules

  • Not accounting for traffic patterns

  • No flexibility built in for life's unpredictability

4. Forgetting Important Details

Don't Forget:

  • Who claims child as tax dependent (alternating years)

  • How medical emergencies are handled

  • Passport custody and travel permissions

  • Social media and digital privacy rules

  • Communication with extended family members

  • Pet custody and care responsibilities

5. Using the Plan as Punishment

Avoid:

  • Restricting parenting time to spite ex-partner

  • Using schedule to control former spouse

  • Creating unnecessary complications

  • Refusing reasonable schedule requests

  • Fighting over minor, insignificant issues

  • Using children as pawns or messengers

6. Not Planning for Growth and Change

Remember:

  • Infant needs vastly differ from teenager needs

  • School schedules change as children advance

  • Extracurricular activities evolve over time

  • Build in periodic review periods

  • Allow for age-appropriate modifications

  • Stay flexible as circumstances change

North Carolina-Specific Considerations

Parental Relocation

Under North Carolina law, if a parent wants to relocate with the child:

  1. Must provide 45 days written notice to other parent

  2. Notice must include new address and reasons for move

  3. Other parent can object within specified timeframe

  4. Court hearing required if relocation is contested

  5. Parenting plan must be modified to accommodate new arrangements

Right of First Refusal

Consider including: "If either parent is unavailable for more than [X] consecutive hours during their scheduled parenting time, they must first offer that time to the other parent before arranging alternative childcare."

North Carolina Court Forms

Official Forms:

  • AOC-CV-351

Where to Find Forms:

  • North Carolina court website

  • County clerk's office

  • Court self-help center

Major North Carolina Counties

Primary counties with family courts:

  • Mecklenburg, Wake, Guilford

Check your local county court for:

  • County-specific local rules

  • Additional form requirements

  • Mediation program details

  • Filing fee schedules

  • Self-help resources

Sample Parenting Plan Schedule

Regular Weekly Schedule

School Year (September - May):

Week 1:

  • Monday 3:00 PM - Wednesday 8:00 AM: Parent A

  • Wednesday 3:00 PM - Friday 8:00 AM: Parent B

  • Friday 3:00 PM - Monday 8:00 AM: Parent A

Week 2:

  • Monday 3:00 PM - Wednesday 8:00 AM: Parent A

  • Wednesday 3:00 PM - Friday 8:00 AM: Parent B

  • Friday 3:00 PM - Monday 8:00 AM: Parent B

Summer Schedule (June - August):

  • Same weekly pattern continues

  • Each parent gets 2 weeks consecutive vacation time

  • Vacation requests must be submitted 60 days in advance

  • Vacation time supersedes regular schedule

Holiday Schedule

Odd-Numbered Years:

  • New Year's Day: Parent B (9:00 AM - 9:00 PM)

  • Easter Sunday: Parent A (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

  • Memorial Day Weekend: Parent B (Friday 3:00 PM - Monday 8:00 AM)

  • July 4th: Parent A (9:00 AM - 9:00 PM)

  • Labor Day Weekend: Parent B (Friday 3:00 PM - Monday 8:00 AM)

  • Thanksgiving: Parent A (Wednesday 3:00 PM - Sunday 6:00 PM)

  • Christmas Eve: Parent A (10:00 AM - December 25, 10:00 AM)

  • Christmas Day: Parent B (10:00 AM - December 26, 10:00 AM)

Even-Numbered Years:

  • Parents alternate from odd-year schedule

Special Days Every Year

  • Mother's Day: Child with mother (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

  • Father's Day: Child with father (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

  • Child's Birthday:

    • Parent with regular schedule has child

    • Other parent gets 2 hours for dinner/celebration

    • Birthday party hosting alternates annually

Exchange Locations and Times

School Days:

  • Morning exchanges: At school

  • Afternoon exchanges: At school or [designated neutral location]

Non-School Days:

  • Exchanges at: [Neutral public location - library, police station, etc.]

  • Or at residential parent's home (curbside pickup)

Q: Is mediation required for parenting plans?

A: Many courts require mediation for contested custody cases. Check your local court rules. Even when not legally required, mediation often helps parents reach agreements more efficiently and affordably than litigation.

Q: Can we change our parenting plan without going to court?

A: No. Any changes must be approved by the court to be legally enforceable. Even if both parents agree, you need to file a modification motion and obtain court approval for the changes to be valid.

Q: What happens if one parent violates the parenting plan?

A: The other parent can file a motion for contempt of court. Potential consequences include makeup parenting time, monetary fines, modification of the custody arrangement, or in serious repeated cases, change of primary custody.

Q: How much parenting time does the non-residential parent typically get?

A: There's no standard formula. It varies significantly based on circumstances. Shared parenting arrangements often provide 40-50% time with each parent. Traditional visitation might be alternating weekends plus one weeknight, totaling about 20-30% of time.

Q: Can a child refuse to follow the parenting plan?

A: Generally no. Until age 18 (or age of majority), children must follow court orders. However, courts may consider a mature child's preferences in modification proceedings. Parents should address refusal issues through proper court channels rather than allowing the child to dictate arrangements.

Q: How far apart can parents live?

A: There's typically no specific distance limit, but practical distance affects the feasibility of shared parenting. Long distances may require different arrangements, such as extended summer parenting time instead of weekly exchanges during the school year.

Q: What if parents disagree about medical treatment?

A: Your plan should specify who makes medical decisions. If it's joint decision-making, you need mutual agreement for non-emergency care. For disputes, mediation or court intervention may be necessary. Emergency care can be authorized by whichever parent has the child at the time.

Q: Can grandparents be included in the parenting plan?

A: Yes. You can include provisions for grandparent time and involvement, though it's not required. This can be particularly helpful for families where grandparents provide significant childcare or have especially close relationships with the children.

Creating a comprehensive North Carolina parenting plan requires careful consideration and attention to detail. A well-crafted plan provides clarity, reduces conflict between parents, and most importantly, serves your child's best interests now and as they grow.

Key Takeaways:

  • Be specific and detailed in all provisions

  • Focus primarily on child's needs and wellbeing

  • Consider both immediate and long-term circumstances

  • Build in reasonable flexibility for life changes

  • Maintain respectful communication with co-parent

  • Follow the court order once approved

Whether you're working together on a mutually agreed parenting plan or each submitting separate proposals, investing time to create a thorough, thoughtful plan will benefit your entire family for years to come.

A strong parenting plan serves as your family's roadmap through the challenges of co-parenting, providing stability and predictability for your children during a time of significant change.

Need help with your North Carolina divorce paperwork? Divorce.com provides step-by-step guidance to complete all required forms for uncontested divorces, including comprehensive parenting plans. Our North Carolina-specific service ensures your documents meet all court requirements and local rules. Get started today →

We've helped with

over 1 million divorces

We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.

Proudly featured in these publications

Other Articles:

Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce

Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.

Traditional Divorce

$25-$30k

Divorce.com

$499

-

$1,999

Real Answers. Real Support.

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