When parents are splitting up, it does not change the fact that they have children to raise and they must do so with some semblance of politeness and fairness for the sake of the child. Some parents can do this on their own, but others must turn to the court system, mediators or other third parties to work out a fair agreement. A parenting plan is a legal agreement that spells out who has custody of the child and when, who makes major decisions for the child's health and welfare and other issues that must be resolved. Once a parenting plan is signed and put into effect, it can only be amended by written agreement by both parties. A divorce decree or parenting plan can indicate the type of religious upbringing the child will have, if any. Today, parenting plans have become increasingly popular as courts have shifted their focus to a more