Parenting plan

A parenting plan is required for married and registered parents (with or without joint custody) and for cohabiting parents with joint custody.

Divorce and parenting plans

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.

Why is a parenting plan required?

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.

What is included in the parenting plan?

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.

What if things change?

Situations change, and you may need to adjust or update your agreements over time to reflect the new situation.

More information

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.

More divorce law related topics >

Lawyers

Previous slide
Next slide
Antoine de Werd

Antoine de Werd

Family law, Mediation Read more about this lawyer
Lise-Milou Lagerwerf

Lise-Milou Lagerwerf

Family law Read more about this lawyer
Marcella Verwoerd

Marcella Verwoerd

Family law, Mediation Read more about this lawyer
Marieke Morshuis

Marieke Morshuis

Family law, Inheritance law Read more about this lawyer
Sophie Vermeule

Sophie Vermeule

Family law, Inheritance law Read more about this lawyer
Stephanie Hasselaar - Veltkamp

Stephanie Hasselaar-Veltkamp

Family law, Inheritance law, Mediation Read more about this lawyer
Susan Meijler

Susan Meijler

Family law Read more about this lawyer
All lawyers

Are you looking for a family law lawyer in The Hague?

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.

"*" indicates required fields

newsletter?

You might also like

8 January 2025

5 practical tips for effective divorce mediation

Once a couple have made the decision to break up, mediation can be a valuable means of resolving conflicts and reaching agreement in an emotionally charged situation. To ensure a smooth mediation process, we provide you with 5 practical tips for divorce mediation in the article below.

Read more

Read more about

2 January 2025

The effects of an overheated housing market in family law

It is common knowledge that the housing market in the Netherlands is overheated. This fact has also had an effect on a number of rulings in family law.

Read more

Read more about

30 December 2024

The benefits of divorce mediation

Divorce can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. It is a process that is not only emotionally taxing, but can also be complex in terms of legal settlement. In this context, mediation can offer a valuable alternative to engaging a lawyer. In this blog, you can read about some of the benefits of divorce mediation.

Read more

Read more about

11 November 2024

Shares under ‘’vesting‘’: to divide or not to divide at divorce

This blog discusses when shares obtained under vesting should and should not be divided in case of divorce.

Read more

Read more about

28 October 2024

International child abduction: an explanation of the procedure

At the end of a relationship or after you have split up, you or your (former) partner may wish to live with your child in another country.

Read more

Read more about

21 October 2024

Stay together as parents for your children, even after a divorce

"Stay together as parents for your children, even after a divorce," says Children's Ombudsman Margrite Kalverboer in an urgent appeal to all parents. I would like to repeat this message in this article.

Read more

Read more about

14 October 2024

Online mediation in family law

Within family law, mediation is increasingly being used by (future) ex-partners to make agreements on, for example, the content or modification of a parenting plan and the financial settlement of a marriage. Through mediation, sustainable agreements can be reached.

Read more

Read more about

9 September 2024

Divorce Day 2024

On Friday, September 13, 2024, it is Divorce Day, established by the Association of Family and Inheritance Law Attorneys and Divorce Mediators (vFAS). On this day, you can come to us for free personal advice.

Read more

Read more about

15 July 2024

Child account or child support?

When parents of a child end their relationship, they must make arrangements regarding the division of the costs of care and upbringing of their child. Parents are generally free to determine these arrangements themselves. However, the principle is that a child should not suffer any financial disadvantage following the end of their parents' relationship.

Read more

Read more about