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 Hawaii, 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 divide and share responsibilities such as physical and legal custody, visitation schedules, decision-making for the child's welfare, and financial support. Hawaii does not use the term 'standard possession order' (SPO), which is more common in other states like Texas. Instead, Hawaii courts focus on the best interests of the child when approving a parenting plan. The state's statutes require that each parent submit a proposed parenting plan during custody disputes. The court will consider these proposals and may order mediation to help parents reach an agreement. If parents cannot agree, the court will establish a parenting plan that it deems to be in the best interests of the child. The final parenting plan must address all pertinent issues regarding the child's upbringing and must be approved by the court to ensure that it meets legal standards and serves the child's welfare.