What is a parenting plan?

A parenting plan, also known as a custody agreement, is a document that outlines the terms of custody and visitation of a child or children in Virginia. It details who has physical and/or legal custody of the child, as well as visitation schedules, decision-making rights for the child or children, and other provisions related to the child’s upbringing. A parenting plan may be a part of a divorce decree, or it may be a separate, stand-alone document. It must be approved by a court in order to be binding. In Virginia, the judge may require parents to submit a parenting plan in order to determine the best interests of the child. The parenting plan must include a visitation schedule, guidelines to address decision-making for the child, a plan for transportation, any special provisions related to the child’s upbringing that the judge believes should be included, and provisions to prevent parental alienation. The parenting plan should be created with the best interests of the child in mind and should reflect the values and interests of both parents. It should be regularly reviewed to ensure it is still in the best interests of the child, as the child’s needs and circumstances can change over time.

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