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 South Carolina, 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. South Carolina does not use the term 'standard possession order' (SPO), which is more commonly used in Texas. Instead, the state requires that parents submit a parenting plan during custody proceedings. The courts encourage parents to work together to create a plan that serves the best interests of the child. If parents cannot agree, the court will intervene and establish a plan based on various factors, including the child's needs, each parent's ability to care for the child, and the child's preference, depending on their age and maturity. The finalized parenting plan is incorporated into the final custody order and is legally binding.