Chapter 518 in the Minnesota statues contains the laws and guidelines concerning child custody in Minnesota. This is important information for anyone involved in a custody situation. These laws are especially relevant as the parents create a parenting plan and custody agreement. The mother and father need to know the statutes so they can be assured that their agreement will be accepted by the court and that it is the best one for their situation. Here are some highlights of the law that pertain to the agreement.1. The creation of a parenting plan. Chapter 518.1705 contains the information about the laws that affect the making of a parenting plan (this is also called a custody agreement, although the state of Minnesota uses the term parenting plan). According to this statute, the plan must contain a schedule of the time each parent spends with the child, an allocation of decision-making responsibility concerning the child, a method for resolving disputes, and any other issues the parents want to include. The parents can work together to make a plan, or the court can intervene and make a plan for the situation.2. Parent Education Program. Chapter 518.157 in the Minnesota Statutes contains the law that requires parents in a custody situation to attend a parent education class. These classes are sponsored by the court, and there are different class requirements depending on the situation. These classes help parents understand the impact that divorce has on the children and educates them on creating the best parenting plan and resolving disputes. If a mother and father are involved in a contested custody battle, there are additional classes they must attend. The county courts have the schedules and more information about the area.3. Modification of the plan. Chapter 518.1705 contains a section on how parents can modify their plan after it has been accepted by the court. The mother and father can modify the amount of time the child spends with each parent if both parents agree to the change. In order for the plan to be enforced by the court, it must become part of the court order. If the mother and father do not agree, the court will decide a modification by determining if it is in the best interest of the child.