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 Colorado, a parenting plan or custody agreement is a crucial document in divorce or child custody proceedings involving minor children. This plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities regarding the children's living arrangements, decision-making, child support, and parenting time. Colorado law encourages parents to work together to create a parenting plan that serves the best interests of the child. If parents cannot agree, the court may order mediation or appoint a child and family investigator to assist. The court will then establish a parenting plan considering the child's best interests. Colorado does not use the term 'standard possession order' (SPO), which is more common in Texas law. Instead, Colorado statutes provide detailed guidelines for determining parenting time and decision-making responsibilities. Courts in Colorado require each parent to submit a proposed parenting plan during custody proceedings, and the final plan must be approved by the court to ensure it meets legal standards and serves the child's best interests.