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 New Hampshire, a parenting plan is a required component of any divorce or child custody proceeding involving minor children. The parenting plan outlines how the parents will share responsibilities regarding the children's living arrangements, health care, education, and other important aspects of their welfare. New Hampshire law encourages parents to work together to create a mutually agreeable parenting plan that serves the best interests of the child. If the parents cannot agree on a plan, each parent may be required to submit a proposed parenting plan to the court. The court will then make a decision based on the child's best interests. New Hampshire does not use a standard possession order (SPO) like some other states. Instead, the specifics of custody and visitation schedules are determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account various factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, the child's needs, and the parents' ability to provide care.