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

A parenting plan and a custody order are both legal documents that outline how parents will have care of their children. The main difference between a parenting plan and a custody order is that custody orders are issued by the court and parenting plans are created by the parents themselves. A parenting plan is a written agreement between the parents that outlines specific parenting responsibilities, including when and where the parents have care of the children, the children’s education, living arrangements, health care, and religious upbringing. The parenting plan also includes guidelines for how the parents will communicate and make decisions regarding the children. Parenting plans are not legally binding, but are often used by the court to decide custody and visitation orders. A custody order is a legally binding document that is issued by the court to establish the legal rights and responsibilities between parents for their children. This order will typically outline which parent has the legal and physical custody of the children, visitation arrangements between the parents, and any other requirements or restrictions regarding care for the children. A court will consider the parenting plan when deciding the contents of a custody order. In Washington, both parenting plans and custody orders must adhere to the state’s child custody laws, which are designed to protect the best interest of the child. It is important for parents to be familiar with these laws when creating a parenting plan or responding to a custodial order.

Related FAQs

How do I get an attorney appointed for a child?
What are marital assets?
What is a guardianship?
What is a parenting coordinator?
What is a restraining order?
What is a no-fault divorce?
What is joint physical custody?
What is a no-contact order?
What is an interlocutory divorce?
What is supervised visitation?

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

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts