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 Kansas, parenting plans are essential components of family law proceedings involving children. These plans outline how divorced or separated parents will share decision-making responsibilities (conservatorship), custody, parenting time (possession), child support, and other child-related matters. Kansas law requires parents to submit a proposed parenting plan to the court for approval during divorce or custody proceedings. The court will review the plan to ensure it serves the best interests of the child, which is the primary consideration in Kansas family law. If the parents cannot agree on a plan, the court may order mediation or appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests. Once the court approves a parenting plan, it becomes part of the final court order and is legally enforceable. Kansas does not have a standard possession order (SPO) like some other states, but the Kansas Judicial Branch provides guidelines and forms to assist parents in creating a parenting plan that addresses the needs of their children and complies with state law.