A custody agreement template is an agreement form carried out between parents who are no longer living together. The main purpose of this agreement is to set some ground rules about raising their children. Even though, the parents are no longer residing together, their biological children are still both of their responsibility. Hence, to manage this responsibility the parents need to come up with an agreement in which they both will mutually agree to certain terms and conditions which will benefit the children. Generally, this document decides factors such as:
• Residence of the children.
• Educational and medical expenses.
• General expenses such as clothing, food, and pocket money.
• Holiday’s responsibilities.
Factors Including a Custody Agreement
A custody agreement template includes all the responsibilities of both parents in a clear cut manner. This way all the terms and conditions are stated clearly which avoids a lot of misunderstandings which could lead to bigger disputes in the future. This agreement form includes all basic information about parties, their child/children, and other factors. This agreement is usually made in the presence of a lawyer or any other legal authority. However, if the parents are on good terms, even after separation, they can make it by themselves without any official supervision. Some of the common factors to be included in a custody agreement are as follows:
1. Firstly, the date on which the agreement is made effective. This date determines when the agreement will be initiated.
2. Basic introduction of both parents. This includes their name, contact information, and current address.
3. Introduction to the child/children. Their name, current residence, age, gender and educational qualification.
4. Now, the marital status of both parents individually. This includes the time when the couple was married, the time period of their marriage, and the place/ city where the marriage took place. it must also be cleared if the couple got separated or divorced.
5. Then the terms and conditions about the raising of children that both parents need to mutually agree on. These must include all the factors mentioned in the beginning of this agreement and more in accordance with the situation of both parties. All these terms should be mentioned very clearly and in an easy language.
6. The expected life till this agreement will stay valid. Mostly, this agreement stays in operation till the child/children turn adult.
7. The classified information, as part of this agreement, which must not be repost, discuss or share to any other person, party or even the child/children should clearly and visibly mentioned.
8. Both the parties are required not only on terms but also sign this agreement.
Details of a Custody Agreement
There are supposed to be two copies of the agreement that should be given to each parent. There must be left some space for the negotiation in case of disagreement of either party on any term. In case of violation of any of the responsibilities, the responsible parent will be held accountable by the law. Since, this agreement has to be approved by the law after the agreement of the parents. A custody agreement is very important to resolve any disputes and arguments if they might arise in the future.
Template for Custody Agreement
jud.ct.gov