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 Washington State, parenting plans are legal documents that outline how divorced or separated parents will share responsibilities and time with their children. These plans cover decision-making authority (conservatorship), residential provisions (custody or possession), child support, and other child-related matters. Washington courts require parents to submit a proposed parenting plan during family law proceedings involving children. The court will review the plan to ensure it serves the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, each parent's past and potential future performance of parenting functions, and the child's developmental needs. While Washington does not use the term 'standard possession order' (SPO) as some other states do, the state does provide a model parenting plan form that serves as a guideline. Parents are encouraged to work together to create a plan that suits their unique situation, but if they cannot agree, the court will establish the parenting plan. Once approved by the court, the parenting plan becomes legally enforceable and can be modified only through further court action.