Since 1 March 2009, parents with minor children who are separating have been required to draw up a parenting plan with each other before the judge will consider a divorce petition. This forces the father and mother to put aside personal frustrations in the interest of the children. But lawyers have mixed feelings about this new law. The parenting plan has been around for a while, but since 1 March 2009 it has been a legal requirement for married or cohabiting parents who have joint custody of the children. Without such a parenting plan, the judge will in principle not give permission for the dissolution of a marriage or cohabitation agreement. The plan must meet a number of minimum requirements. For example, it must include arrangements for contact, care, education and alimony. Parents need each other's permission for important decisions about the children.