What Should You Include In A Child Custody Agreement?

When two parents separate or get a divorce, child custody issues must be resolved. Ideally, the parents can reach an agreement on their own and submit it to the court for approval. Before a court will approve these agreements, they must find that it is fair and in the best interest of the child. To ensure that your agreement will be approved, there are certain elements you must include in your plan. Below, our Delaware County child custody lawyer explains what these are.

Schedules for Co-Parenting 

The schedule for co-parenting makes up a large portion of child custody agreements. The schedule outlines when each parent will have physical custody of the child. Physical custody refers to the amount of time each parent will spend with the child. The schedule should include provisions for holidays, vacations, weekends, and regular visitation. A well-drafted schedule can provide the child with a strong sense of structure and stability while also maintaining parent-child relationships.

Custody Exchange Protocols 

It is not uncommon for some parents to have hostile relationships with each other, particularly if they have just gone through a bitter divorce. In these cases, a custody agreement should include provisions that can help minimize interactions between the two parents. These provisions should include specific procedures for custody exchanges such as transportation arrangements and locations for pick-ups and drop-offs.

Communication 

In many cases, it is best for the parents to have limited contact with each other, particularly if there are still feelings of resentment and tension between them. The custody agreement should include a provision regarding how the parents will communicate with each other regarding the child. Telephone calls are not always the best option, but parents may want to email or text with each other. The custody agreement should also include how often, and by what method, the child will communicate with one parent while staying with the other.

Right of First Refusal 

Inevitably, there will be times when one parent has to make a change to the custody agreement, often with little warning. For example, one parent may have the child in their custody but is called into work at the last minute. Parenting agreements can include a right of first refusal provision, which states the other parent must be contacted for childcare arrangements before anyone else. This can help keep the relationship amicable between the parents and reduce a great deal of stress and tension.

Dispute Resolution 

There is a very good chance that at some point in the future, a dispute will arise between the parents. Including a provision in the custody agreement about how these disputes will be handled can provide guidance and ensure conflicts are resolved as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

Our Child Custody Lawyer in Delaware County Can Draft Your Agreement 

While it is possible, and preferable, that you reach an agreement with your co-parent, you must ensure that it will be approved by the court. At Barbara Flum Stein & Associates, our Delaware County child custody lawyer can draft your agreement and ensure it is executed properly so that it is approved by the court. Call us now at 610-565-6100 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get more information.

Source:

pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/231/chapter1915/chap1915toc.html&d=reduce