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Child Custody Agreement
Define custody terms, visitation rights, and parental duties with this comprehensive Child Custody Agreement template.
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CHILD CUSTODY AGREEMENT
This Child Custody Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into on [Effective Date], by and between:
Parent 1: [Full Name], residing at [Address]
and
Parent 2: [Full Name], residing at [Address]
Child/Children: [Full Name(s) and Date(s) of Birth]
1. Legal and Physical Custody
Parent 1 shall have [sole/joint] legal custody, meaning the authority to make decisions regarding the child’s health, education, and welfare. Physical custody shall be [sole/joint/shared] as described in the visitation schedule below.
2. Visitation Schedule
The non-custodial parent shall have visitation rights as follows:
[Days of the week or month, e.g., alternate weekends from Friday 6:00 PM to Sunday 6:00 PM]
Holidays shall alternate yearly, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
3. Transportation Responsibilities
The parent beginning the visitation period shall be responsible for transportation, unless otherwise agreed.
4. Child Support and Expenses
Each parent shall contribute to the child’s support according to state child support guidelines or as otherwise mutually agreed in writing. Additional expenses, such as medical, educational, or extracurricular costs, shall be shared [equally/as per percentage].
5. Decision-Making Authority
Decisions regarding major issues (medical care, education, religious upbringing) shall be made jointly unless otherwise stated herein.
6. Dispute Resolution
In the event of disagreement, the parties agree to first attempt mediation before seeking court intervention.
7. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State].
Signatures
Parent 1: ________________________ Date: ___________
Printed Name: ____________________
Parent 2: ________________________ Date: ___________
Printed Name: ____________________
Notary (if required): __________________ Date: ___________
Details
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Child Custody Agreement
CHILD CUSTODY AGREEMENT – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Child Custody Agreement, and what purpose does it serve?
A Child Custody Agreement is a legal document that sets out the arrangements for the care, custody, and control of a child or children between separated or divorced parents. It outlines physical custody, legal custody, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority.
Does a Child Custody Agreement carry legal force?
Yes. A Child Custody Agreement has legal force when it includes all essential elements such as the identification of parents, clear custody terms, visitation arrangements, and proper signatures, often accompanied by notarization or court approval.
Assessment: Correct – including these key elements ensures enforceability under family law.
Can a Child Custody Agreement be used in any state?
Generally, yes. Nolo principles emphasize that a valid agreement contains a set of essential terms which together provide legal effect. However, certain states may require court filing or approval to make it binding.
Assessment: Correct – state-specific procedures may apply.
What if I need a more flexible version of this document?
In that case, you should use our AI Lawyer product, which, powered by advanced AI technology, can create a fully customized agreement for your unique needs in just a few steps.
How can I use this template?
You can:
Download the full text and edit it in your preferred word processor.
Or, upload it into AI Lawyer and modify it interactively for a more tailored outcome.
What are common mistakes to avoid when filling out a Child Custody Agreement?
Avoid vague custody terms, unclear visitation schedules, or omitting decision-making responsibilities. Ensure all relevant child-related expenses and dispute resolution methods are addressed.
Can this template be adapted for international custody arrangements?
Yes, but it must be modified according to the family law and child custody rules of the relevant country.
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