A “parenting plan” is a type of court order that contains the bare minimum needed to co-parent. The form order is barren of much of what is needed to successfully co-parent your children. As a legal document, it focuses on complying with the law, and does not focus on how to actually co-parent well. I strongly recommend co-parent coaching as part of every divorce. This type of coaching allows you not only to create a strong co-parenting relationship with your other parent, but also to anticipate and have plans in place for expectable challenges that will arise. A mediator with extensive background in co-parenting or a divorce parenting specialist can also assist in helping you create good structures to keep all on track as you co parent your kids.