Separation can be one of the most challenging times for children and parents alike. The changes in family living arrangements often disrupt routines, attachments and a sense of stability for children.
The booklet Share the Care: Parenting Plan – Collaborative Parenting Apart is a practical, accessible guide for separating parents navigating these challenges.
It offers a roadmap to build a customised written plan for how children will be supported, cared for and connected – now and as their lives evolve.
What's Inside
Share the Care is comprehensive yet practical.
Key topics include:
- About parenting plans: Explains what a parenting plan is, what it is not, and how it differs from a legally enforceable order.
- Communication: Offers guidance on how separated parents can establish respectful communication channels (phone, text, email), agree on shared values/culture, and avoid putting children in the middle.
- Living arrangements: Helps parents think through how children will spend time with each parent, how transitions between households can be gentler, and how to handle special days/holidays.
- Finances: Highlights how often the financial issue is a source of conflict and sets out checklists and tips for managing everyday costs, child support and unforeseen expenses.
- Education: Covers how schooling, extracurricular activities and changing schools can be managed collaboratively — while keeping children’s best interests at heart.
- Emergency contacts / health and wellbeing records: Supports parents to maintain a shared reference of key contacts, medical details, and wellbeing information so both homes can be equipped.
- Useful resources: A curated list of national support services (e.g. for family violence, legal advice and child support) so parents know where to turn if things become difficult.
Take Action
If you’re navigating separation, working through how to manage care arrangements for children, or looking for a clear and structured way to talk about the future:
- Download Share the Care and make a start.
- Use it alongside other resources on RASA’s Knowledge Hub.
- Reach out to RASA’s Family Dispute Resolution service if you’d like help turning the plan into action or mediating differences.
Creating a thoughtful parenting plan is more than ticking boxes—it’s about laying a foundation for children’s safety, wellbeing and connection in a new chapter of family life.
With thoughtful planning, respectful communication and a focus on what the children need, families can work together to reduce stress and raise the possibility of a smoother transition.
Acknowledgement
Share the Care: Parenting Plan – Collaborative Parenting Apart was authored by the RA National Family Dispute Resolution Network.
If you feel like you need extra support, Relationships Australia SA offers a range of services for couples, families and children and youth that can help.
Get in touch with us today.

