Parenting plans—also known as custody agreements or custody and visitation agreements—are proposals submitted by parents for how issues involving children should be handled following a divorce or other proceeding in family court. The court will usually request the parents submit such a document proposing how conservatorship (decision-making), custody or possession, support, and other issues will be handled. The court may adopt some or all of these proposals and include them in the court’s order (divorce decree, child support and custody order), at which point the become legally enforceable.

In many states there is a standard possession order (SPO) that serves as the default terms for such matters, and as a useful starting point for parents who wish to modify it by agreement.

In California, parenting plans, also known as custody agreements, are essential components of family law proceedings involving children. These plans outline how divorced or separated parents will share decision-making responsibilities (conservatorship), physical custody, visitation schedules (possession), child support, and other child-related matters. California law encourages parents to work together to create a parenting plan that serves the best interests of the child. If parents can agree on a plan, they can submit it to the court for approval. If the court finds the plan to be in the child's best interests, it will typically be incorporated into the final court order, making it legally enforceable. In cases where parents cannot agree, the court will make a determination based on various factors, including the child's health, safety, and welfare, the nature of the child's relationship with each parent, and any history of family violence or substance abuse. California does not have a standard possession order (SPO) like some other states, but the state does provide guidelines to help parents and courts establish a parenting plan that is equitable and prioritizes the child's well-being.