Child Custody Agreement Template: Sole or Joint Custody
The printable child custody agreement template from Custody X Change is thorough yet simple to complete.
It starts by briefly walking you through your agreement's settings.
Then it helps you think through the details of parenting apart. It has more than 140 provisions, many of which you can personalize by filling in blanks and choosing from drop-down options.
You can also enter your own unique provisions.
When you're finished, you'll have a clear document that's free of loopholes — and better than many agreements written by lawyers. It will serve as a strong base for the years of co-parenting ahead of you.
Start filling out the Custody X Change template now.
Choosing a child custody agreement template
When you choose a custodial agreement template, pick one that:
- Is easy to use
- Creates a clearly worded document
- Has provisions covering the wide range of issues that may affect your children
- Allows personalization
Check if your court or judge has any specific requirements for a child custody agreement (also called a parenting plan). They may provide a printable child custody agreement template. Court templates are often very basic, so you can attach a more thorough agreement if you want to address additional parenting topics.
It's always wise to have your agreement reviewed by a lawyer to make sure you've filled it out without any issues.
Sample child custody agreement for unmarried parents
Here's a look at what to put in your child custody agreement.
At the top, put the basic information about your case:
- The case number
- The case location
- The parents' full names and roles in the case (e.g., petitioner)
- The children's full names and birth dates
Then you'll want a section for each of the following:
- Physical custody (Include a detailed schedule.)
- Legal custody
- Parenting rules
- How parents can make changes to the agreement
Your agreement might be just a few pages long or over 20 pages, depending on how much detail you want.
At the end, include space for each parent to sign and date. You might also need space for notarization.
The Custody X Change interactive template walks you through adding all these elements to your agreement.
Sample child custody agreement for married parents
A custody agreement for married parents is only different than a custody agreement for unmarried parents in that it's generally attached to a divorce settlement agreement. The divorce settlement agreement covers issues beyond parenting, such as property division.
See the section above for guidance on what should go in your child custody agreement. You can use the Custody X Change template for step-by-step guidance.
Sole custody agreement template
A sole custody agreement should state early on which parent will have sole physical and sole legal custody.
Then it should lay out the details of a sole custody schedule.
Here are some examples of additional provisions you might include in a sole custody agreement:
- The noncustodial parent must confirm to the custodial parent that they plan to care for the children as scheduled. They must do so at least __ hours but no more than __ hours before each of their periods with the children.
- The custodial parent can move the children's primary residence without geographic restriction.
- The noncustodial parent will have their parenting time limited to public places.
You'll find these and many more provisions in the Custody X Change online app.
The Custody X Change agreement template works great for sole custody. Parents who agree to sole custody need a well-written agreement that will hold up in court in case the noncustodial parent tries to overstep the bounds.
Joint custody agreement template
For a joint custody agreement, start by stating that parents will share joint legal and joint physical custody.
Then explain how they'll share major decisions. Will one parent have final say about certain types of decisions, or will the parents reach a consensus on everything? In the latter case, what will happen if they can't agree?
Next, include a joint custody schedule.
Here are some examples of additional provisions you might include in a joint custody agreement:
- To determine the children's school and register them in school, the following parent's address will be used: _________.
- Without the written consent of the other parent or until further order of the Court, neither parent will move the children's residence outside of: _______.
You'll find these and many more provisions in the Custody X Change online app.
The custodial agreement template in Custody X Change works as well for joint custody as it does for sole custody.
Joint custody can be complex because of all the cooperation involved. As a result, joint custody agreements are often longer and more detailed than sole custody agreements. Use a quality template to make sure your agreement covers all the necessary details.