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 Oregon, parenting plans are a crucial component of family law proceedings involving children. These plans outline how divorced or separated parents will share responsibilities and time with their children. Oregon law encourages parents to work together to create a parenting plan that serves the best interests of the child, taking into account factors such as the child's age, emotional needs, and relationship with each parent. The plan typically addresses legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody (where the child will live), parenting time (visitation), and child support. If parents are unable to agree on a plan, the court may order mediation or, ultimately, make a decision on their behalf. The court's primary consideration is the best interests of the child, and it has the discretion to adopt all, some, or none of the parents' proposals. Once approved by the court, the parenting plan becomes part of the legally enforceable custody order. Oregon does not have a standard possession order (SPO) like some other states, but the state provides guidelines and model parenting plans to assist parents in creating a plan that works for their unique situation.