Karen Walsh: Parenting plan vital when relationship ends

When a marriage has broken down, and you face divorce proceedings, one of the main issues and root of conflict is access to and custody of children.

If parties can agree on such issues early on, it is best for all involved, especially the children, to draw up a parenting plan as soon as possible.

A parenting plan is an agreement, between parents of a child or children who are no longer in a relationship, that outlines common issues which affect the child, for example, maintenance, access, welfare, school and care arrangements, etc.