A parenting plan is one of the strongest tools that parents can have when they are divorcing or separating and have children together. Both parents need to sit down and build out this plan and they will need to determine how the process of parenting will continue even after the parents have separated. Some states require parents to work out a parenting plan as part of the divorce process. Even if you do not have this law to deal with, it can be highly helpful to put together this plan. This plan outlines when the child will be with each of his or her parents. It also outlines how all decisions regarding the child will be made. In some states, like Oregon, in order to file for divorce or obtain child custody otherwise, a parenting plan must be filled out.