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 Maryland, a parenting plan or custody agreement is a legal document that outlines how divorced or separated parents will care for and make decisions regarding their minor children. The plan typically includes provisions for physical custody (where the child will live), legal custody (who has the authority to make decisions about the child's welfare), visitation schedules, child support, and how future modifications will be handled. Maryland does not use a standard possession order (SPO) like some other states. Instead, the state encourages parents to create a detailed parenting plan that suits their unique situation and serves the best interests of the child. If parents cannot agree on a plan, the court will intervene and establish custody arrangements. Maryland courts require each party to a divorce or child custody proceeding to submit a proposed parenting plan, which the court will consider during custody hearings.