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 Indiana, a parenting plan or custody agreement is a legal document that outlines how divorced or separated parents will share responsibilities regarding their minor children. This includes provisions for physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (decision-making authority), visitation schedules, child support, and how future modifications will be handled. Indiana 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 will intervene and establish a custody arrangement based on the child's best interests. Indiana does not use the term 'standard possession order' (SPO), which is more common in Texas law. Instead, Indiana courts require each party to submit a proposed parenting plan during custody proceedings, and the court will consider these proposals when making its decision. The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines provide a standard framework for parenting time, but parents are encouraged to reach a personalized agreement that reflects the unique needs of their child.