A parenting plan is required for married and registered parents (with or without joint custody) and for cohabiting parents with joint custody.
Since March 1, 2010, a parenting plan is part of the divorce application process in the Netherlands. This means that parents filing for divorce are obliged to consider child-related issues like care, development and education before they file for divorce.
It has been the intention of the legislature to compel parents to consult one another about their children not as former partners, but as parents. That is not always an easy task, especially because at the beginning of a divorce strong emotions often play a major role.
A good family lawyer can assist in this stage, helping to determine the key considerations for the welfare of the child.
A parenting plan is an agreement that specifies which agreements have been made by the parents with regard to their children. It contains agreements on the care, education, how information is exchanged on important issues and the costs of care and upbringing of the children.
In the case of international divorce, a parenting plan may also include special agreements about topics like visitation and moving (abroad) with the children.
Our experts can highlight important considerations and help you achieve the best possible result.
Situations change, and you may need to adjust or update your agreements over time to reflect the new situation.
GMW lawyers will be happy to help you with all your family law and divorce-related legal issues. If you have any questions, please contact us directly using the enquiry form below or +31 (0)70 3615048. Our family lawyers will be happy to support and advise you.
GMW lawyers will be happy to help you with all your family law and divorce issues. Please feel free to contact us if you have any legal questions.
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13 November 2025
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