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 Ohio, 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), parenting time (custody or possession), child support, and other child-related matters. Ohio law encourages parents to work together to create a parenting plan that serves the best interests of their children. If parents can agree on a plan, the court will typically review it to ensure it meets the child's needs and, if appropriate, incorporate it into the final court order, making it legally binding. However, if parents cannot agree, the court may order mediation or issue a parenting plan based on the child's best interests. Ohio does not have a standard possession order (SPO) like some other states, but the court may provide guidelines or default arrangements to assist parents in forming a parenting plan. Ultimately, any court-ordered parenting plan in Ohio is enforceable by law, and parents must adhere to its terms or face legal consequences.