Custody

A parenting plan describes the custody and physical care arrangement and spells out when each parent will have time with the child.¹ You can come to an agreement on your own or through mediation and give your joint parenting plan to the judge. However, if you cannot agree, the judge will decide and make the order.

If either parent is asking for joint physical care, the judge may require both of you to submit your own proposed parenting plans. Each parent’s plan should explain:

• how you will make decisions affecting your child:
• how you will provide a home for your child;
• how your child’s time will be divided between you;
• how each parent will support your child’s time with the other parent;
• how you will share any expenses that aren’t covered by court-ordered child support;
• how you will resolve major changes or disagreements affecting your child, including changes that arise due to the child’s age and developmental needs; and
• any other issues the judge may require.²

The court has parenting plan forms you can use if you don’t have a lawyer. You can find links to get them on our IA Download Court Forms page.

If you are a domestic violence survivor, the parenting plan needs to be safe for you and your child. The best way to get help making a safe plan is to speak with a lawyer who knows about custody and domestic violence. You can go to our IA Finding a Lawyer page for legal referrals. However, if you’re on your own without a lawyer, you may find it helpful to read 10 Things to Know About Parenting Plans in Cases Involving Domestic Violence.

¹ See Iowa R. Civ. P. 17.200-Form 229, Form 230; Iowa R. Civ. P. 17.400-Form 429, Form 430
² Iowa Code § 598.41(5)(a)