Step 1: Physical Custody Type
Parents choose which physical custody type they seek:
- Joint - Custody is shared in a way that the child has frequent contact with each parent
- Sole - One parent has custody of the child and the other parent has visitation rights
Note that parents can complete a Parenting Plan Court Form together, or each parent can complete a separate Parenting Plan Court Form to be reviewed by the Court.
Example: Kris and Taylor have decided to seek joint physical custody, and each parent has decided to complete a separate Parenting Plan Court Form.
Step 2: Distance Between Parents' Residences
Parents consider distance between their residences. Joint physical custody works best when parents live in the same community. When parents select sole custody, they should choose between one of the Distance General Time-Sharing Schedules.
- Green - Joint Physical Custody: The Green Schedules can be used when parents live in close enough proximity so that the child(ren) can continue to participate in school and extracurricular activities.
- Blue - Sole Physical Custody for Near Residences: The Blue Schedules can be used when parents live within approximately 60 miles of each other.
- Purple - Sole Physical Custody for Distant Residences: The Purple Schedules can be used when parents live more than 60 miles from each other or when one parent lives out of state.
Example: Kris and Taylor both live in Hometown, AL and have decided to seek joint physical custody, so they decide to look at the Green Schedules.
Step 3: Age Category of Child(ren)
The General Time-Sharing Schedules are divided into four age categories based on child(ren)'s development. Additional categories include a category for families with multiple children in different age groups. It also includes a category for parents with unique work situations.
- Ages 0-3 → A Schedules
- Ages 4-5 → B Schedules
- Ages 6-12 → C Schedules
- Ages 13-19 → D Schedules
- Widely Different Age Groups → M Schedules
Example: Kris and Taylor have one child aged 7, so they select the age 6-12 category which leads to the C schedules.
Step 4: General Time-Sharing Schedule
Parents select a General Time-Sharing Schedule, which includes a PDF form that can be filled out either digitally or manually after being printed. Parents then attach the completed form to the Alabama Model Parenting Plan Court Form.
Note that these suggested schedules can be modified to fit an individual family's needs. Parents can select a schedule to submit to the court either together or individually.
Example: Kris prefers the third schedule, so Kris selects Green C3. Taylor prefers the fifth schedule, so Taylor selects Green C5.
Step 5: Complete the Alabama Model Parenting Plan Court Form and Attach the Selected General Time-Sharing Schedule Form as Appendix A
There are two Alabama Model Parenting Plan Court Forms to choose from:
- Alabama Model Parenting Plan Short Court Form - A parenting plan court form recommended for parties without an attorney.
- Alabama Model Parenting Plan Long Court Form - A parenting plan court form recommended for parties with an attorney.
Parents can complete a Parenting Plan Court Form together, or each parent can complete a separate Parenting Plan Court Form to submit to the Court.
Once the Alabama Model Parenting Plan Court Form is completed, attach the completed General Time-Sharing Schedule Form as Appendix A.
Example: Kris does not have attorney representation, so Kris attaches the Green C3 Form as Appendix A to the Alabama Model Parenting Plan Short Court Form. Taylor has attorney representation, so Taylor's attorney attaches the Green C5 Form as Appendix A to the Alabama Model Parenting Plan Long Court Form.
Step 6: Submit Completed Alabama Model Parenting Plan Court Form and Selected General Time-Sharing Schedule to the Court
If electronic filing is not possible, the completed Parenting Plan Court Form should be presented to the clerk of the court handling your case, along with your case number.
Note that all child support forms should be submitted to the Court at the same time as the Parenting Plan Court Form. These forms can be found here.
Example: Kris submits the Parenting Plan Court Form directly to the Court. Taylor's attorney submits the Parenting Plan Court Form to the Court on Taylor's behalf.