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 Nebraska, a parenting plan is a required component in any court proceeding involving child custody, such as divorce or separation, where minor children are involved. The parenting plan outlines how the parents will share and manage responsibilities regarding the children's living arrangements, health care, education, child support, and parenting time. Nebraska law encourages parents to work together to create a mutually agreed-upon parenting plan that serves the best interests of the children. If the parents cannot agree, each parent may be required to submit a proposed parenting plan to the court. The court will then decide on the parenting plan that best protects the children's welfare. Nebraska does not use a standard possession order (SPO) like some other states; instead, the parenting plan is tailored to the specific needs of the children and the circumstances of the parents. The final parenting plan is incorporated into the court's custody order and is legally binding.