[§571-46.5]  Parenting plans.  (a)  For every action that includes a contested custody of children, both parties or both parents shall develop either a mutually agreed-upon general parenting plan or separate individually-desired parenting plan, and file the plan at the outset of the action.

     (b)  A parenting plan may include a general outline relating to parental responsibilities and parenting time.  A general parenting plan may also allow the parents to develop a more detailed agreement on an informal basis.

     (c)  A detailed parenting plan may include, but is not limited to, provisions relating to:

     (1)  Residential schedule;

     (2)  Holiday, birthday, and vacation planning;

     (3)  Parental decision-making and responsibility;

     (4)  Breastfeeding, if applicable;

     (5)  Information sharing and access;

     (6)  Relocation of parents;

     (7)  Telephone access and other means of communication;

     (8)  Right of first refusal procedures;

     (9)  Transportation; and

    (10)  Methods for changing or enforcing the parenting plan and for resolving disputes.

     (d)  If the parties cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court may:

     (1)  Order the parties to participate in alternative dispute resolution and in counseling with a person with professional experience in child custody or parenting issues, or with other appropriate education, unless there is a finding of family violence; and

     (2)  Develop and file a detailed parenting plan when requested by either of the parties or parents.

     (e)  The court or the parties may revise and amend the parenting plan from time to time. [L 2005, c 244, §1]