Creating a structured parenting plan is a critical step during a Kansas divorce. A clear plan reduces conflict and provides predictability for your children. It also ensures you comply with state laws.

Kansas law requires parents to submit a formal parenting plan. This document must address legal custody and residential arrangements. At Bright Family Law Center, we assist families throughout Johnson County and Overland Park. We help you draft tailored agreements that protect your children.

Below are practical Kansas parenting plan examples commonly used in our local family courts.

parents discussing children's parenting plan

1. Co-Parenting Schedule Examples (50/50 Joint Residential Shift)

Joint residential custody splits the child’s time relatively equally. This model requires strong communication and close proximity. It is a frequent choice for families living near each other in Overland Park or Olathe.

The 2-2-3 Schedule

This alternating routine is ideal for young children. It ensures they are never away from either parent for long.

  • Monday & Tuesday: Parent A
  • Wednesday & Thursday: Parent B
  • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Parent A
  • (The schedule flips the following week)

The Alternating Week Schedule (7-7)

This plan is best suited for older children and teenagers. Older kids benefit from longer, uninterrupted blocks of time. They also handle fewer transitions easily.

  • Friday to Friday: The child stays with Parent A for seven consecutive days. The transition happens after school or on Friday evening. Next, the child spends seven days with Parent B.

2. Primary Residential Schedule Examples

In many cases, one parent serves as the primary residential custodian. The other parent receives designated parenting time. This layout works well if parents live further apart. It also helps if school schedules require a central home base.

The “Every Other Weekend” + Mid-Week Visit

This traditional model maintains a consistent routine during the school week. It still grants substantial weekend blocks to the non-residential parent.

  • Weekends: Alternating Friday after school through Sunday evening. Some parents extend this to Monday morning drop-off.
  • Mid-Week: Every Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This visit often includes dinner.

The 4-3 Schedule

This structured layout splits the week into two predictable blocks.

  • Sunday through Wednesday: Parent A
  • Thursday through Saturday: Parent B

3. Mandatory Components of a Kansas Parenting Plan

A valid Kansas parenting plan must do more than map out calendar days. Judges in the Johnson County District Court look for specific details. Your document must explicitly include the following components:

  • Legal Custody: State whether major decisions will be made jointly or by one parent. This includes choices about healthcare, education, and religious upbringing.
  • Holiday Schedule: Holiday designations take priority over the standard weekly routine. Your plan must outline how major holidays rotate annually. Be sure to include Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Summer Vacation.
  • Transportation & Exchanges: Specify the exact times and locations for drop-offs. You can use the residence or the child’s school. Clearly state which parent is responsible for driving.
  • Dispute Resolution: Outline a clear path for handling future disagreements. Many parents require mediation before filing new motions in court.
little girl walking to parents

Customizing Your Agreement

No boilerplate template perfectly fits the realities of your daily life. A successful parenting plan must account for work shifts, your child’s developmental age, extracurricular activities, and the physical distance between households.

If you are currently sorting through custody options or need to modify an existing court order in Kansas, reaching out to an experienced local family law attorney can streamline the process and safeguard your parental rights.