Case study – parenting plan for a baby

The Snow family

Marlee and Aaron Snow have separated after four years of marriage. They have an eight-month-old baby girl, Talia. They have an friendly relationship and are working hard to put their daughters needs first.

Marlee has always been Talia’s primary carer.

Marlee, Aaron and Talia are Aboriginal.

After they separated, Marlee and Talia stayed in the home they were renting in Tamworth. Aaron moved in with his brother in Coonabarabran, over two hours away.

Aaron has been travelling back to Tamworth every weekend to spend time with Talia. He often brings some of his family with him, including his parents, brother, nieces and nephews. Aaron has family in Tamworth that he stays with when visiting Talia.

Marlee is currently on maternity leave from her job as a nurse. She has taken 18 months leave and wants to return to work after her leave ends.

Marlee’s family all live in Tamworth and the surrounding towns. They have been helping her look after Talia and her home since Aaron moved out.

Since moving in with his brother, Aaron has found a job on the local council. He has been transferring money to Marlee every fortnight to help with the cost of rent and Talia’s expenses.  

Aaron would like to move back to Tamworth soon so that he can be closer to Talia and spend more daytime with her. He is currently looking for a job in the area. 

Baby’s best interests

Marlee and Aaron want to keep Talia in her normal daily routine as she is settled and is sleeping through the night. They want to minimise any stress or anxiety that their changing situation may cause.

Aaron wants to have regular contact with Talia each week, so they have a strong relationship, and Talia doesn’t experience separation anxiety when she is not with Marlee.

While he is living in Coonabarabran, he will drive to Tamworth to see her so that he doesn’t disrupt her daily routine.

Aaron wants to continue caring for Talia and being involved in her daily routine, like he was before their separation.

When Marlee returns to work, Aaron may need to care for Talia more often. It is important that Talia is used to Aaron caring for her as this will help to minimise any distress that Talia may feel if her parenting arrangements are changed.

It is very important to both Marlee and Aaron that Talia has strong relationships with their family members, especially those who have been helping to care for Talia since she was born. This is an important part of their Aboriginal culture that Talia needs to experience, and which will help her to learn about her culture.

Best type of agreement

Marlee and Aaron want to make a written parenting agreement. They want a document that clearly sets out the details of their agreement that they can refer to when needed.

They want a flexible agreement that they can easily change as Talia gets older and her needs change. They understand that their agreement will probably have to change several times.

They have agreed to make a parenting plan for just one year because Talia is so young. They will review their parenting plan before Marlee returns to work. They have agreed to review it sooner if Aaron moves back to Tamworth. 

The parenting plan

In their parenting plan, Marlee and Aaron could write something like this:

1. Talia lives with Marlee.
2. Talia spends time with Aaron as agreed between the parties, and failing agreement, every Saturday from 9am until 12pm in Tamworth.
3. Changeover will occur at Talia’s home.
4. Despite other clauses, Talia will spend time with Aaron:
   1. on Father’s Day, from 9am until 12pm
   2. on Christmas Day, from 9am until 12pm.
5. Both parties will notify the other as soon as possible if Talia suffers a medical emergency, illness or injury while she is in their care.
6. The parties will review this agreement within 12 months.
7. Where the parties agree to change this agreement, they will record the changes in writing by making a new parenting plan.

It is up to Marlee and Aaron how simple or detailed their parenting plan is. The simpler their plan is, the more flexible it is. Given that they have a friendly relationship and have no problems agreeing about parenting matters, a simple parenting plan may work for them.

Alternatively, the more detail there is in a parenting plan is, the less flexible it is. More detail is often helpful if parties have trouble agreeing on parenting arrangements, or one person has a history of breaking their parenting agreement.

Last updated: May 2026