Parenting Plans Guide
A parenting plan is a written agreement that sets out how parents will share responsibilities and make decisions regarding their child.
In South Africa, parenting plans are recognised under the Children's Act and are commonly used by separated or divorced parents to record arrangements relating to the care and upbringing of a child.
What Is A Parenting Plan?
A parenting plan is a formal agreement between parents that outlines how they will exercise their parental responsibilities and rights.
It may address where a child will live, how contact with each parent will occur, and how important decisions affecting the child will be made.
Why Parenting Plans Are Important
- Clarification of parental responsibilities and rights
- Establishment of child care arrangements
- Reduction of disputes between parents
- Documentation of contact and residence arrangements
- Guidance for decision-making regarding the child's welfare
- Evidence of agreed parenting arrangements
What Information Is Usually Included?
- The child's living arrangements
- Visitation or contact schedules
- Holiday and vacation arrangements
- Education decisions
- Medical and healthcare decisions
- Religious or cultural considerations where applicable
- Travel arrangements
- Methods for resolving future disputes
Who May Need A Parenting Plan?
- Separated parents
- Divorced parents
- Parents sharing parental responsibilities and rights
- Parents seeking to formalise arrangements regarding a child
- Families involved in legal proceedings concerning a child
Making A Parenting Plan Legally Recognised
Under South African law, a parenting plan may be registered with the Family Advocate or made an order of court.
Parents often prepare parenting plans with the assistance of a family advocate, mediator, attorney, psychologist, or social worker.
Where To Obtain A Copy
- Your personal records
- Your attorney or legal representative
- The Office of the Family Advocate
- The court if the parenting plan was made an order of court
- The mediator or professional who assisted with the agreement
If You Do Not Have A Copy
If your parenting plan has been lost, you may be able to obtain a copy from the person or organisation that assisted with its preparation, registration, or filing.
If the parenting plan forms part of a court record, a certified copy may be available from the relevant court.
What To Take
- Your South African ID or proof of identity
- The child's birth certificate if available
- Any court case numbers relating to the child
- Names of both parents
- Any previous copies of the parenting plan
- Supporting legal documents if requested
Processing Times
Processing times depend on where the parenting plan is stored and whether it forms part of a court record.
Recently filed records may be easier to retrieve, while older archived files may require additional time.
Common Issues And Delays
- Unsigned parenting plans
- Parenting plans that were never formally registered
- Missing court records
- Outdated parenting arrangements that no longer reflect current circumstances
- Conflicting information contained in different legal documents
- Difficulty locating older archived records
Refugee Resettlement Tip
Parenting plans are primarily family law documents rather than immigration documents.
However, in some cases involving minor children, applicants may choose to keep parenting plans together with custody orders, guardianship documents, consent letters, and birth certificates when preparing their records.
As a practical matter, these documents can help explain family arrangements, parental responsibilities, and child care arrangements if questions arise regarding a child's circumstances. Individual immigration and refugee cases differ, and applicants should follow the specific instructions provided by USCIS, the U.S. Embassy, or their resettlement agency.
After Receiving The Parenting Plan
- Check that all pages are present
- Verify names, dates, and signatures
- Ensure any court stamps or endorsements are visible
- Scan the document in colour
- Save a secure PDF copy
- Store the original safely
With Love
Your Cheeky Undercover Refugee
Important Disclaimer
Government procedures, fees, requirements, processing times, and court practices may change without notice. This guide is for general informational purposes only. Applicants should always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant court, Family Advocate, legal professional, or immigration authority and conduct their own independent research before submitting applications.
Official Sources And References