Parenting Plan
A parenting plan records the parental rights and responsibilities of the parents and is highly recommended in a divorce if minor children are involved.
It protects the children’s rights by prioritising their best interests and provides clear guidelines to the parents in working together and minimising potential conflict between them post-divorce.
A parenting plan can be made an order of the court when filed with the Office of the Family Advocate, and failure to comply with it is a criminal offence.
Different cost structures apply based on the level of agreement between the parties and range from R35,150 (R17,575 per party), where the parties disagree on everything, to R11,150 (R5,575 per party), where the parties agree on everything (see attached quotations).
Parenting Plan Option 1
Disagree on everything
The parties disagree on all matters related to a parenting plan, including child maintenance, visitation rights, schooling, and religious upbringing.
Parenting Plan Option 2
Mostly agree on everything
The parties agree on most matters related to a parenting plan, including child maintenance, visitation rights, schooling, and religious upbringing.
Parenting Plan Option 3
Agree on everything
The parties agree on all matters related to a parenting plan, including child maintenance, visitation rights, schooling, and religious upbringing.
Parenting Plan Option 1
Disagree on everything
The parties disagree on all matters related to a parenting plan, including child maintenance, visitation rights, schooling, and religious upbringing.
Parenting Plan Option 2
Mostly agree on everything
The parties agree on most matters related to a parenting plan, including child maintenance, visitation rights, schooling, and religious upbringing.
Parenting Plan Option 3
Agree on everything
The parties agree on all matters related to a parenting plan, including child maintenance, visitation rights, schooling, and religious upbringing.
- Each session lasts 2 hours
- Each party is responsible for 50% of the total fees
- The total fees must be paid before mediation can start for the following reasons:
- It eliminates non-payment being used as a stalling tactic during mediation
- Paying per session typically leads to more sessions and higher costs
- It motivates the parties to reach an agreement and stay within budget
A refund of 100% will apply to unused sessions if the parties successfully sign the legal documents.