Parenting plans for married couple living separately
LIST Code: FA-04-09-02-00
LIST Code
FA-04-09-02-00
Title
Parenting plans for married couple living separately
Definition
Legal issues related to creating or updating a parenting plan for married parents who are living separately but are not divorced, including custody, visitation, and decision-making arrangements. This legal issue covers situations where married parents are living apart and need a formal or informal parenting plan to manage custody, visitation, and parental responsibilities. Even without a divorce or legal separation, parents may need clear agreements to support their children’s stability, routine, and best interests while living in separate households. This category includes creating parenting plans that address physical custody schedules, legal decision-making authority, transportation, holidays, communication, and day-to-day caregiving. It may also involve temporary or interim arrangements while parents consider reconciliation, separation, or future legal action. Legal questions often arise about whether a court order is needed, how enforceable an agreement is, and what happens if parents later file for divorce or legal separation. In addition, this issue can involve resolving disagreements between parents about parenting time, schooling, health care, or relocation while remaining legally married. Parenting plans created during separation may later become the basis for court-ordered custody arrangements, making clarity and documentation especially important. Includes: Parenting plans for married parents living apart Temporary custody and visitation schedules Legal and physical custody arrangements Informal agreements or court-approved plans Planning during separation without divorce