Co-Parenting Handover Sheet

Who this is for

One sheet travels with the child. Filled in by the parent handing over, it records what came in the bag, any medicine given, what school needs this week, dates coming up and how the child has been, so nothing relies on a conversation at the door.

Separated or divorced parents sharing care, and step-parents or grandparents who do some of the changeovers.

What this helps you track

• Which belongings, kit and devices came with the child
• Medication given since the last handover, with times
• Homework, letters and kit the school needs this week
• Appointments, parties and events before the next changeover
• Sleep, mood and anything the other parent needs to reply to

How to use it

1. Write the child's name, the date and time of this handover, who is handing over and who is receiving, and when the next handover is.
2. Tick each item that is in the bag, and add anything not on the list in the spaces.
3. Fill each section with short, factual notes: medicine given and when, school news, dates coming up, sleep and mood.
4. Put anything that needs an answer in the last section so it is not lost in the other notes.
5. Hand the sheet over with the child, or fill it in online and send it; keep a copy of each one.

Formats

• Printable PDF (A4 and US Letter)
• Fillable PDF with form fields
• Fill in online, saved in your browser

The printable is laid out inside a box that fits both A4 and US Letter, so the two files are identical and neither one is scaled. The fillable PDF has real form fields. The online version keeps what you enter in your own browser and builds the completed PDF on your device.

How to print

Download the A4 or US Letter file to match the paper in your printer, open it in a PDF reader and print at 100% — not "fit to page", which shrinks the writing space. Both files leave a 14 mm margin, which clears the unprintable edge on home printers. To print the online version with your entries in it, use the Print this sheet button, which prints only the sheet and none of the page around it. More on printing.

Questions

Why write it down instead of talking at the door?

Changeovers are often rushed and in front of the child. A written sheet gives both parents the same facts, keeps the handover calm and leaves a record of what was passed on.

What should go in the reply section?

Anything that needs a decision or an answer from the other parent, such as a party invitation, a form to sign or a change to a date. Keeping it separate means it gets answered rather than read and forgotten.

Should medication details go on the sheet?

Yes: what was given, how much and when, copied from the label or the prescriber's instructions. The sheet does not give dosing advice; follow the instructions that came with the medicine.

Can it be used as evidence in a dispute?

It is a practical record, not a legal document. If you are in a dispute, ask your own adviser what records are useful where you are; keeping copies of each sheet does no harm.