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 Pennsylvania, 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. Pennsylvania does not use the term 'standard possession order' (SPO), which is more common in Texas law. Instead, the state requires parents to create a detailed parenting plan during custody proceedings. If parents cannot agree on a plan, the court will intervene and establish a custody order based on the best interests of the child. Factors considered include the child's needs, parental duties, stability, sibling relationships, and any history of abuse. The Pennsylvania courts encourage parents to work together to create a plan that serves the best interests of their children and may require mediation to help reach an agreement.