Shared parenting agreements: Best practices
25th November, 2025
Going through a divorce or separation is a life-changing experience and can be difficult for everyone involved, including children. Creating a comprehensive shared parenting agreement can make this process a little easier.
Separating from your partner can be an extremely challenging time in your life and it can be made harder if children are involved. You are already wondering what your life might look like after your relationship breaks down, and you will be considering how to move forward with your children, to ensure they are able to process this change in their life.
Creating a shared parenting agreement with your partner, with the support of specialist divorce solicitors or child maintenance solicitors at Ward Hadaway, can make the process of moving forward with your children a little less daunting.
What is a Shared Parenting Agreement?
A Shared Parenting Agreement is a written document which allows divorced or separated parents to plan out any childcare arrangements for their children. It can be completed without going to Court if you and your partner can easily agree on the daily arrangements for your children. If you are unsure about what arrangements you would like for your children a divorce solicitor will be able to assist you In deciding what the best arrangements are for your children moving forwards.
Creating a Shared Parenting Agreement means children can move forward from the separation of their parents with some form of structure still in place. Supporting children through a divorce can be extremely difficult, as they may be confused at the breakdown of their family unit, or they may blame themselves for what is happening.
Maintaining some level of structure and ensuring care and attention is given to your children can make it easier for them to process the divorce and minimise the impact on their emotional health, whilst helping both parents to continue developing strong relationships with their children.
A Shared Parenting Agreement is not automatically legally binding, so it is strongly recommended that you receive legal advice and work with a specialist solicitor throughout the process.
At Ward Hadaway, our team of divorce solicitors or child maintenance solicitors can support you and draw up a Consent Order to make the document legally binding. This must be signed by both you and your partner to confirm you agree with the terms.
Creating an Agreement that works for both parents
You and your partner should try to agree on arrangements for your children going forward after your separation or divorce. A Shared Parenting Agreement typically covers the following:
- Living arrangements
- Dispute resolution
- Communication guidelines
- Education and extracurricular activities
- Healthcare decisions
- Financial responsibilities
As parents, you should make every effort to ensure you can create a positive environment for your children once their family life as they know it changes. Creating a Parenting Agreement may be difficult, with factors like work or new relationships meaning one parent cannot see their children often potentially causing problems.
Discussing your own expectations is important, but you should prioritise your children when you do this because a positive co-parenting relationship will benefit all parties involved.
It is essential that you are aware of your rights as a parent when you separate or divorce and that you work with divorce solicitors or child maintenance solicitors throughout the process, especially if you are struggling to agree on certain arrangements.
Should a dispute arise at any point, having a Shared Agreement Plan can be useful for the Court. Working with expert divorce solicitors or child maintenance solicitors can also be beneficial during any potential conflict regarding child arrangements, which can be common when dealing with high-conflict divorces.
Prioritising your children’s wellbeing
As well as looking after yourself through a separation or divorce, it is important to understand the effects of divorce on children and how to help them cope with a new way of life. It can be even harder navigating divorce with neurodiverse children and fully understanding the best ways to approach parenting through divorce or separation.
A Shared Parenting Agreement is useful for both parents and children because it clearly states what arrangements and actions you have agreed between yourselves to meet the needs of your children. Making this agreement shows that you are putting your children first and are prioritising their wellbeing, meaning you can avoid having to attend Court or have the Court order specific arrangements. Avoiding this can help you with rebuilding your life post-divorce and moving forward.
There are several benefits of implementing an effective Shared Parenting Agreement, all of which have a positive impact on your children’s wellbeing during what is a difficult time for them. These include:
- Providing your children with a sense of security and stability
- Helping everyone involved, including grandparents or other guardians, know what is expected of them
- Setting out practical decisions about your children, like living arrangements, education and childcare
Child support and shared care arrangements are becoming more important after separation or divorce, but equal shared care is not always a suitable arrangement for separated parents. A divorce solicitor can advise you about this. Flexibility within your Shared Agreement Plan is crucial to support your children through separation or divorce and good communication, and give and take on both sides, is essential to achieve this.
Having support from our expert solicitors can also support your wellbeing, especially if you are looking for tips to reduce stress or wondering how to handle emotional burnout during a divorce.
If you and your partner are unable to agree on certain child support and shared care factors, like child maintenance support, Ward Hadaway’s team of child maintenance solicitors can support you as you find a resolution.
Ward Hadaway can support you with Shared Parenting Agreements
At Ward Hadaway, our team of specialist divorce solicitors or child maintenance solicitors can provide the guidance you need during this difficult time, by helping you create a Shared Parenting Plan or offering co-parenting and shared care tips for divorced parents.
If you are looking for professional, legal guidance, we are here to help and ensure you feel thoroughly supported during this difficult time.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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