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 Vermont, 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 and legal custody, visitation schedules, child support, and how decisions about the child's welfare, education, and health care will be made. Vermont does not use the term 'standard possession order' (SPO), which is more common in other states like Texas. Instead, Vermont courts focus on the best interests of the child when approving a parenting plan. During divorce or child custody proceedings, Vermont courts typically require each parent to submit a proposed parenting plan. The court will then consider these proposals, along with other factors, to establish a final parenting plan that serves the child's best interests. The final plan is legally binding and both parents must adhere to its terms.