Build your parenting plan.

Legal custody is about big choices like school, health, and religion. It is separate from where the children live. This just records what you two want to write down, not what a court must order.

Only fill this in if you chose one parent (sole) above. Write the parent's name.

Optional. For example, decisions are shared but one parent has the final word if you cannot agree. In your own words.

This is the home address used for school and mail. "About equally" means close to a 50/50 split of nights.

The town the children live in for school records. You can leave this blank for now if you are not sure.

List each child and their age, one per line. Example: Sofia, 8.

Pick the option closest to your week. You can describe the details in the next box. This is just a starting point you can change.

Say which nights and days the children are with each parent. Example: with me Monday and Tuesday, with the other parent Wednesday and Thursday, weekends switch.

Your best estimate of overnights, not exact. This is the same number the child-support tool uses, so filling it here can save you a step.

Holidays often need their own rule because they don't follow the normal week. You can be more specific below.

List the holidays your family cares about and how you'd like to share them. Example: children's birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas Eve, Three Kings Day.

How do you want to handle summer, winter break, and spring break? Example: summer split into two-week blocks, each parent picks weeks by a certain date.

Optional. For example, how much notice before a trip, sharing travel plans, or rules for traveling out of state or out of the country.

The handoff spot. Many families use school because no one has to meet face to face.

Just records your plan for who drives. Sharing the driving is common but not required.

Optional. For example, usual times, who pays for travel, or what to do if someone is running late.

Things like which school, tutoring, and special help. Records your preference; it is not legal advice.

Doctors, dentists, and non-emergency care. In a true emergency, the parent who is there acts right away.

Things like church, religious classes, and holidays of faith. Records what you two prefer.

Optional. For example, activities, sports, screen time, or who keeps the medical and school records.

How you share day-to-day news about the children. Many families keep it to one main way to avoid mix-ups.

For example, a video or phone call at a set time, or whenever the children want. Whatever feels right for their ages.

Optional. For example, sharing school and medical updates, or keeping each other's contact info current.

Many NJ families agree to try mediation first. This just records the step you'd like to write down. A mediator or NJ attorney can explain how it works.

Optional. For example, giving it a few days before deciding, or who you would ask to help. In your own words.