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 Dakota, a parenting plan or custody agreement is a crucial document in divorce or child custody proceedings involving minor children. This plan outlines how parents will divide and share responsibilities such as physical custody, legal custody, child support, visitation schedules, and decision-making for the children's welfare. South Dakota does not use the term 'standard possession order' (SPO), which is more commonly used in Texas. Instead, South Dakota courts focus on what is in the best interests of the child when approving a parenting plan. The state encourages parents to work together to create a parenting plan that serves the best interests of their children. If parents cannot agree, each may be required to submit a proposed parenting plan for the court to consider. The court will then make a decision based on the child's best interests, considering factors such as the child's age, the child's relationship with each parent, and each parent's ability to provide for the child's needs.