A graduated parenting plan is a parenting plan that increases one parent's parenting time in defined steps as specified conditions are met, milestones are reached, or the child successfully adjusts to the relationship. It is used when a full parenting time schedule is not immediately appropriate but a path to increased access is realistic.

Common graduated triggers include completion of a treatment program, demonstration of sobriety over a defined period, successful completion of supervised parenting time, or a clinical recommendation that the relationship is ready for expanded contact.

Graduated plans require clear drafting. Each step must specify exactly what triggers the increase, what evidence of the trigger is required, and what the next schedule looks like. Ambiguous triggers produce litigation about whether the trigger has been met.