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 North Carolina, parenting plans are essential components of family law proceedings involving children. These plans outline how divorced or separated parents will share responsibilities and time with their children. The parenting plan typically addresses physical custody (where the child will live), legal custody (decision-making authority), visitation schedules, child support, and how future modifications will be handled. North Carolina law encourages parents to work together to create a mutually agreeable parenting plan. If parents cannot agree, the court will intervene and establish a plan based on the best interests of the child. While North Carolina does not have a standard possession order (SPO) like some other states, the state's family courts provide guidelines to help parents understand the factors considered in determining custody arrangements. Once a parenting plan is approved by the court, it becomes part of the court's order and is legally enforceable. Failure to comply with the terms of a court-ordered parenting plan can result in legal consequences.