When drafting a parenting agreement, many parents focus on scheduling, holidays and decision-making authority. While these are important concerns, it’s also important to include provisions related to less predictable issues, including how illness and injury will be handled.
Children get sick, accidents happen and how parents respond in these situations can have a significant impact on their child’s health and emotional security. By addressing illness and injury risks proactively, parents can reduce stress, prevent conflict and better ensure that their child receives timely and appropriate care.
Life happens – How should co-parents respond?
A well-crafted parenting plan should define who has the authority to make medical decisions in both routine and emergencies. In many cases, joint legal custody means both parents share this responsibility. However, when a child falls ill or is injured during one parent’s time, that parent typically needs the ability to seek prompt medical attention without delay. A family’s agreement should clarify this right while also requiring timely notification to the other parent.
For example, a parenting agreement might state that either parent can take the child to a doctor in case of illness or injury, but must notify the other parent within a certain number of hours. It may also specify that non-emergency medical decisions—such as starting a new treatment or scheduling elective surgery—require joint discussion and consent. These provisions can help to balance the need for urgent care with the importance of shared parental involvement.
A family’s plan should also outline protocols for managing minor illnesses that affect parenting time. If a child develops a fever, strep throat or the flu, should parenting time be rescheduled? Will the child remain with the parent who has access to their usual pediatrician, or will the schedule be followed unless hospitalization is required? Establishing expectations in advance can reduce confusion and better ensure that a child’s comfort and care are prioritized.
Additionally, an agreement can address how information will be shared. This might include exchanging medical records, prescription updates and contact information for doctors or specialists. Using written communication or co-parenting apps can help keep this information organized and accessible, particularly when parents have limited direct interaction.
In more complex situations—such as those involving chronic illness, allergies or developmental conditions—a parenting plan may need more detailed provisions. This could include specific care instructions, medication management, therapy schedules and/or which parent will attend appointments.
Including illness and injury protocols in a parenting agreement is not about predicting every possible outcome—it’s about being prepared. With clear guidelines in place, both parents can respond quickly and confidently when their child needs care.