Current through Chapter 253 of the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 571-46.5 - Parenting plans(a) For every action that includes a contested custody of children, both parties or both parents shall develop either a mutually agreed-upon general parenting plan or separate individually-desired parenting plan, and file the plan at the outset of the action.(b) A parenting plan may include a general outline relating to parental responsibilities and parenting time. A general parenting plan may also allow the parents to develop a more detailed agreement on an informal basis.(c) A detailed parenting plan may include, but is not limited to, provisions relating to: (1) Residential schedule;(2) Holiday, birthday, and vacation planning;(3) Parental decision-making and responsibility;(4) Breastfeeding, if applicable;(5) Information sharing and access;(6) Relocation of parents;(7) Telephone access and other means of communication;(8) Right of first refusal procedures;(10) Methods for changing or enforcing the parenting plan and for resolving disputes.(d) If the parties cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court may: (1) Order the parties to participate in alternative dispute resolution and in counseling with a person with professional experience in child custody or parenting issues, or with other appropriate education, unless there is a finding of family violence; and(2) Develop and file a detailed parenting plan when requested by either of the parties or parents.(e) The court or the parties may revise and amend the parenting plan from time to time.