A parenting plan or custody agreement is a document that addresses how the parents of minor children will share responsibility for the custody, support, and management of the children. Some states have a standard possession order (SPO) that addresses many of these issues. Courts often require each party to a divorce or child custody proceeding to submit a proposed parenting plan.

In Arizona, a parenting plan is a legal document required in cases involving child custody, whether through divorce, separation, or other legal proceedings where minor children are involved. The parenting plan outlines how the parents will share legal decision-making authority (formerly known as custody) and parenting time. Arizona law emphasizes the importance of both parents having meaningful and frequent contact with their children, provided it is in the children's best interests. The plan must include details such as each parent's responsibility for daily child-rearing, a schedule for the child's time with each parent, procedures for making decisions about the child's welfare, and how to resolve disputes. If the parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court may establish one for them, taking into consideration factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, and the mental and physical health of all individuals involved. Arizona does not use a standard possession order (SPO) like some other states, but the courts do provide guidelines to help parents create a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the child.