Child Custody Agreement Checklist

When a family goes through a separation or divorce, one of the most important issues that needs to be resolved is that of child custody. It can be a difficult and emotional process, but having a clear and comprehensive child custody agreement can help to minimize stress and confusion in the long run. To ensure that you cover all of the important details, here is a checklist to guide you through the process of creating a child custody agreement.

1. Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody

The first thing to consider when creating a child custody agreement is the type of custody you are seeking. Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions in the child`s life, such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child will live, and how much time they will spend with each parent.

2. Parenting Plan

A detailed parenting plan should be included in the child custody agreement. This plan should outline the schedule for custody and visitation, including holidays, weekends, and summer break. It should also establish a plan for how parents will communicate and make decisions regarding the child`s well-being.

3. Education

The child custody agreement should address how decisions about the child`s education will be made, including school choice, tutoring, and extracurricular activities.

4. Healthcare

Parents should agree on how healthcare decisions for the child will be made, including medical treatment, dental care, and emergency medical procedures.

5. Finances

The child custody agreement should address any financial responsibilities related to the child, such as child support, medical expenses, and education expenses.

6. Relocation

If either parent plans to relocate with the child, the child custody agreement should establish protocols for how this will be handled.

7. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute related to the child custody agreement, the agreement should outline a process for dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.

8. Modifications

The child custody agreement should allow for modifications over time, to reflect changes in the child`s needs or the parents` circumstances.

Creating a child custody agreement is an important step in the separation or divorce process. By considering these key elements and addressing them in your agreement, you can help to ensure a smoother transition and a more stable future for your child.