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 Virginia, a parenting plan or custody agreement is a legal document that outlines how divorced or separated parents will care for and make decisions regarding their minor children. The Commonwealth does not use the term 'standard possession order' (SPO), which is more commonly used in Texas. Instead, Virginia law requires that custody arrangements address both physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (who makes important decisions for the child). Virginia courts encourage parents to work together to create a parenting plan that serves the best interests of the child, and this plan must be approved by the court. If parents cannot agree, the court will intervene and establish a custody arrangement. Factors considered by the court include the age and physical and mental condition of the child and parents, the relationship between each parent and the child, and the needs of the child, among others. The parenting plan typically covers living arrangements, visitation schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and how future modifications will be handled. When parents are going through a divorce or custody proceeding, they are often required to submit a proposed parenting plan to the court for consideration.