As a professional, I can guide you on how to write a custody agreement that meets the legal requirements and ensures the best interests of the child. A custody agreement is a legal document that outlines how a child`s custody will be shared between parents or legal guardians. As a result, drafting a custody agreement should be precise and comprehensive. Here`s a guide on how to write a custody agreement:
1. Identify the basics: Start by identifying the child`s name, birth date, and current address. Mention the parents` names, addresses, and contact details as well.
2. Determine legal custody: Legal custody refers to the authority to make important decisions about the child`s life, such as education, medical treatment, religion, and more. Mention who will have legal custody, joint or sole, and outline how decisions will be made.
3. Determine physical custody: Physical custody refers to where the child will reside. Will the child live with one parent or both? Outline a schedule for the child`s physical custody, including holidays and vacations.
4. Address visitation: If one parent has primary physical custody, the other parent might have visitation or parenting time. Outline the schedule and how the child will be picked up and dropped off.
5. Include child support: Child support is the money paid by one parent to the other to help raise the child. State who will pay child support and how much. You can use a state-sponsored calculator to determine the appropriate amount.
6. Mention communication: Mention how the parents will communicate with each other about the child`s well-being. Determine whether communication will be via email, phone, text message, or any other means.
7. Address any special circumstances: If there are any special circumstances, such as the child having special needs or one parent living in a different state, mention them in the agreement and how they will be addressed.
8. Get it legalized: Once the agreement is drafted, both parents or legal guardians should sign it in front of a notary public. This makes the agreement legally binding.
Writing a custody agreement can be overwhelming; it`s essential to keep the child`s best interests in mind while outlining the agreement. Getting legal help is recommended to ensure that the agreement complies with your state`s laws and meets the best interests of the child.