Form 12.995(a) at a glance
What it is: Form 12.995(a), Parenting Plan, is required in all cases involving time-sharing with minor child(ren).
Who signs: If an agreement has been reached, both parties must sign the Parenting Plan and have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk.
If the parents have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed by either parent at the time of or any time prior to the final hearing.
The Parenting Plan must be developed and agreed to by the parents and approved by the court.
A filled-in Form 12.995(a) example: two parents with an agreed plan
How to fill out Form 12.995(a), box by box
Court and case
Under IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE, fill in the Judicial Circuit; under IN AND FOR, fill in the County, the Case No and the Division.
This parenting plan is
Choose only one: A Parenting Plan submitted to the court with the agreement of the parties, a proposed Parenting Plan submitted by or on behalf of the Parent's Name, or a Parenting Plan established by the court.
Petitioner, hereinafter referred to in this Parenting Plan as Parent
Under I. PARENTS, fill in Petitioner, hereinafter referred to in this Parenting Plan as Parent {name or designation}, then Name, Address, Telephone Number and E-Mail.
The parents must identify a name or designation to be used throughout this Parenting Plan.
Respondent, hereinafter referred to in this Parenting Plan as Parent
For Respondent, hereinafter referred to in this Parenting Plan as Parent {name or designation}, fill in the name or designation and the Name.
Respondent's address, telephone and e-mail
Fill in the Respondent's Address, Telephone Number and E-Mail.
Children
Under II. CHILDREN, list the child(ren) born to, or adopted by the parties, with Name and Date of Birth (add additional lines as needed).
Parental Responsibility
Choose only one: Shared Parental Responsibility, Shared Parental Responsibility with Decision Making Authority, or Sole Parental Responsibility.
Under Shared Parental Responsibility, it is in the best interests of the child(ren) that the parents confer and jointly make all major decisions affecting the welfare of the child(ren).
Under Sole Parental Responsibility, it is in the best interests of the child(ren) that Parent {name or designation} shall have sole authority to make major decisions for the child(ren.) It is detrimental to the child(ren) to have shared parental responsibility.
Holiday Schedule
Choose only one: No holiday time sharing shall apply, holiday time-sharing shall be as the parties agree, or holiday time-sharing shall be in accordance with the following schedule.
The Holiday schedule will take priority over the regular weekday, weekend, and summer schedules.
Number of Overnights
Under Number of Overnights, write each Parent's total overnights per year based upon the time-sharing schedule; the two numbers must equal 365.
Signature of Petitioner/Parent
Under SIGNATURES OF PARENTS, I certify that I have been open and honest in entering into this Parenting Plan; I am satisfied with this Plan and intend to be bound by it.
Fill in Dated, the Signature of Petitioner/Parent and Printed Name.
STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF, Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on, by and NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK are for the NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK.
Signature of Respondent/Parent
Fill in Dated, the Signature of Respondent/Parent and Printed Name.
More rules for Form 12.995(a)
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.
Please either delete or strike-through terms or paragraphs that are inappropriate or inapplicable to your agreement.
If an agreed Parenting Plan is not filed by the parties, the court shall establish a Plan.
Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so.
Self-represented litigants may serve documents by e-mail; however, they are not required to do so.
Each parent shall notify the other parent in writing within 24 hours of any changes; each parent shall notify the court in writing within seven (7) days of any changes.
If the case involves supervised time-sharing, the Supervised/Safety Focused Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(b) or a similar form should be used.
If the case involves relocation, pursuant to Section 61.13001, Florida Statutes, then a Relocation/Long Distance Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(c) or a similar form should be used.
Common questions about Form 12.995(a)
How to change parenting plan in Florida?
Any substantial changes to the Parenting Plan must be sought through the filing of a supplemental petition for modification. Temporary changes to this Parenting Plan may be made informally without a written document; however, if the parties dispute the change, the Parenting Plan shall remain in effect until further order of the court.
Is there a template for creating a parenting plan?
This form or a similar form should be used in the development of a Parenting Plan.
Where do I file it?
After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records.
Sources
[1] Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a), Parenting Plan (02/18) (the Official source link on this page).
