California · Starter template
California Parenting Plan — Starter Template
Governing law: Cal. Fam. Code §§ 3011, 3040, 3080
Mirrors the structure of California Judicial Council form FL-341 (Child Custody and Visitation Order Attachment) and the best-interests factors under Fam. Code § 3011. Use alongside a Stipulation and Order (FL-355) or a Marital Settlement Agreement.
1. Legal and Physical Custody
Joint legal, joint physical, sole legal, or sole physical — designate each independently per Fam. Code § 3080 et seq. California presumes frequent and continuing contact (§ 3020).
2. Regular Parenting Schedule
Specify weekly schedule by day, start time, and end time. Identify the exchange location and any neutral exchange (e.g., school) to minimize conflict.
3. Holiday and Vacation Schedule
Rotation (odd/even). Include Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break, Mother's/Father's Day, child's birthday, and summer vacation. State the default if a holiday falls on regular parenting time.
4. Communication Between Parents
The parties shall conduct all non-emergency communication regarding the child(ren) through CoParent Circle. The Family Court Services mediator, minor's counsel appointed under Fam. Code § 3150, and any Cal. Rule of Court 5.220 evaluator may be granted view-only access at no charge.
5. Communication Between Parent and Child
Reasonable phone, video, and text contact during the other parent's parenting time. Time-zone considerations for long-distance contact.
6. Decision-Making
Education (school selection, IEP), non-emergency medical, dental, mental-health, religion, and extracurricular activities.
7. Child Support
Statewide uniform guideline under Fam. Code § 4055 (DissoMaster or X-Spouse calculation). State the timeshare percentage used in the calculation and the basis for any non-guideline order under § 4057.
8. Add-On Expenses
Child-care, health-care, and educational add-ons under § 4061–§ 4062. Percentage split, reimbursement window, and the requirement that supporting receipts be submitted through CoParent Circle.
9. Move-Away (Relocation)
In re Marriage of LaMusga / Burgess best-interests analysis applies to proposed relocations that materially impact parenting time. Notice 45 days in advance is the practical minimum.
10. Dispute Resolution
Mandatory Family Court Services mediation under Fam. Code § 3170 before a contested hearing. The parties may also designate a private mediator or parenting coordinator.
11. Records and Admissibility
Records generated by CoParent Circle shall be admissible subject to Cal. Evid. Code § 1552 (printed representations of computer data) and § 1553. The parties shall not delete, alter, or suppress communications within the application.