Legal Decision-Making Agreement for Child Template

This Legal Decision-Making Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of [Effective Date] by and between:

Parent A: [Full Name], address: [Address]

Parent B: [Full Name], address: [Address]

Child: [Full Name], DOB: [DOB]

Case/Court (Optional): [Court/County], Case No. [__]

Existing Order (If Any): [Date] (the “Existing Order”)

1. Purpose and Status

1.1 The Parents agree on legal decision-making arrangements for the child’s major life decisions.

1.2 This Agreement is intended to be: ☐ effective upon signature ☐ subject to court approval (if required).

1.3 If there is a conflict with an Existing Order, the Existing Order controls unless modified by court.

2. Definitions

2.1 Major Decisions include: education, non-emergency medical and dental care, mental health treatment, religion (if applicable), and other major matters listed below.

2.2 Routine Decisions include day-to-day decisions made by the parent during their parenting time (meals, bedtime, routine activities).

3. Decision-Making Allocation (Check and Complete)

3.1 Education: ☐ joint ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B

Includes: school selection, special education plans, tutoring decisions over $[__] (optional).

3.2 Non-Emergency Medical/Dental: ☐ joint ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B

Includes: surgeries, specialists, orthodontics, non-routine procedures.

3.3 Mental Health/Therapy: ☐ joint ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B

Includes: counseling, evaluations, medication management.

3.4 Religion (Optional): ☐ joint ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B ☐ not applicable

Rules: [Religious education/attendance terms].

3.5 Extracurricular Activities: ☐ joint ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B

Cost approval needed for expenses over $[__]. Commitments must not interfere with the other parent’s time without agreement.

3.6 Travel and Passports (Optional): ☐ joint ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B

Rules: notice required [__] days; passport storage: [Parent].

3.7 Other Major Decisions: [List + allocation].

4. Notice and Consultation Process (For Joint Areas)

4.1 For joint decision areas, a parent proposing a major decision will send a written proposal (email/app) including: issue, options, costs, deadlines, and recommendation.

4.2 The other parent will respond within [__] hours/days.

4.3 If urgent, the proposing parent will note the deadline and why it is urgent.

5. Access to Records and Providers

5.1 Each parent may access school and medical records to the extent allowed by law and will be listed as a contact where permitted.

5.2 Providers may be contacted by either parent for information; decisions follow the allocation above.

6. Emergencies

6.1 Either parent may make emergency decisions during their parenting time to protect the child’s health and safety.

6.2 The parent will notify the other parent as soon as practicable and provide relevant information.

7. Disputes

7.1 If the parents disagree on a joint decision area, they will:

(1) attempt resolution in writing within [**] days;

(2) if unresolved, use: ☐ mediation ☐ parenting coordinator ☐ other: [**];

(3) if still unresolved, seek court guidance if applicable.

8. Changes and Review

8.1 Changes must be in writing and signed by both parents (and court-approved if required).

8.2 Review date (optional): [Date].

Signatures

Parent A: [Full Name]

Date: [Date]

Signature: ___________________________

Parent B: [Full Name]

Date: [Date]

Signature: ___________________________