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Step-Up Parenting Plan Template
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Step-Up Parenting Plan Template
This Step-Up Parenting Plan (the “Plan”) is made as of [Effective Date] by and between:
Parent A: [Full Name], address: [Address]
Parent B: [Full Name], address: [Address]
Child(ren): [Name(s), DOB(s)]
Case/Court (Optional): [Court/County], Case No. [__]
Existing Order (If Any): [Date] (the “Existing Order”)
1. Purpose and Status
1.1 The Parents agree to a staged parenting schedule to support the child(ren)’s best interests and to increase parenting time over time.
1.2 This Plan is intended to be: ☐ effective upon signature ☐ subject to court approval (if required).
1.3 If there is a conflict, the Existing Order controls unless modified by court.
2. Stage Overview
2.1 The Plan includes the following stages:
Stage 1: [Dates or duration]
Stage 2: [Dates or duration]
Stage 3: [Dates or duration]
Stage 4 (optional): [Dates or duration]
2.2 Stage changes occur automatically ☐ yes ☐ no. If no, stage changes require: ☐ written agreement ☐ therapist/supervisor recommendation ☐ court order.
3. Stage 1 Schedule (Initial)
3.1 Dates/Duration: [Start–End]
3.2 Parenting time for Parent [A/B]:
[Days/times]
Supervision: ☐ none ☐ supervised by [Name/Center]
Location: [__]
3.3 Conditions (optional):
☐ on-time arrivals
☐ no missed visits
☐ completion of [class/therapy]
☐ negative alcohol/drug tests (if applicable)
☐ other: [__]
4. Stage 2 Schedule
4.1 Dates/Duration: [Start–End]
4.2 Parenting time for Parent [A/B]:
[Days/times]
Overnights: ☐ none ☐ [__] per week/month
Supervision: ☐ none ☐ supervised by [__]
4.3 Conditions to move forward (optional): [List].
5. Stage 3 Schedule
5.1 Dates/Duration: [Start–End]
5.2 Parenting time for Parent [A/B]:
[Days/times]
Overnights: [__]
Holidays (optional): [__]
5.3 Conditions to move forward (optional): [List].
6. Stage 4 Schedule (Optional)
6.1 Dates/Duration: [Start–End]
6.2 Parenting time schedule: [Describe].
7. Exchanges and Communication
7.1 Exchange location and rules: [School/public place/drop-and-go].
7.2 Communication method: ☐ parenting app ☐ email ☐ text (emergency only).
7.3 Child communications with other parent: [Schedule].
8. Safety and Child Needs
8.1 Baseline rules: no substances, no threats, safe car seat use, etc.
8.2 If the child shows signs of distress, the Parents agree to: [pause step-up; consult therapist; adjust schedule].
9. Make-Up Time, Cancellations, and No-Shows
9.1 Notice requirement: [__] hours.
9.2 Make-up visits: [Rules].
9.3 Repeated missed visits may: ☐ pause the step-up ☐ require mediation ☐ require court review.
10. Disputes and Review
10.1 Disputes: ☐ mediation ☐ parenting coordinator ☐ court.
10.2 Review date(s): [Dates].
Signatures
Parent A: [Full Name]
Date: [Date]
Signature: ___________________________
Parent B: [Full Name]
Date: [Date]
Signature: ___________________________
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Step-Up Parenting Plan Template
STEP-UP PARENTING PLAN TEMPLATE FAQ
What is a step-up parenting plan?
A Step-Up Parenting Plan is a staged parenting schedule that increases a parent’s time with a child over weeks or months. It’s often used when a parent is reintroducing contact, when a child is very young, or when there have been safety or stability concerns. The plan sets clear stages and criteria for moving forward.
What should be included?
Include: stages with date ranges, parenting schedule at each stage, supervision (if any), transition milestones, communication rules, and how disputes are handled. This template includes all of those elements in a simple structure.
Do you need court approval?
Often yes if there is a custody case or existing order. This template includes a “subject to court approval” option and avoids conflicting with existing orders.
How do you decide when to move to the next stage?
Common triggers include completing a number of visits, consistent on-time exchanges, negative drug tests (if relevant), completion of parenting classes, or therapist recommendations. This template includes customizable milestone checkboxes.
What if a stage needs to pause?
The plan should include a pause and review mechanism if the child is struggling or if safety concerns arise. This template includes a pause rule and a dispute resolution step.
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