What are the differences between a parenting plan and a custody order?

A parenting plan and a custody order are two important legal documents used in Maine family law. Both documents are used to outline the rights and responsibilities of each parent in a child’s care. A parenting plan is a written agreement between two parents that sets out the specific details of how the parents will share parenting responsibilities. It includes details such as the rights and responsibilities of each parent, how decisions will be made, how communication between the parents and child will be maintained, and how holidays and special occasions will be handled. A custody order is a legal document issued by the court that officially determines the legal custodian of a child and sets out specific details of how that child will be cared for. This includes who will have legal custody (the parent who will make important decisions on behalf of the child) and physical custody (the parent with whom the child will reside). A custody order may also include parenting time, which is the amount of time that each parent will have access to the child, and visitation rights which parents may have with a child if they are not the custodial parent. While a parenting plan is a voluntary agreement between two parents, a custody order is a legally enforceable document that must be followed. In Maine, it is important that both parents have a thorough understanding of how to properly and legally manage their family law matters, which is why they are encouraged to consult with an experienced family attorney.

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What are the differences between a parenting plan and a custody order?

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