Custody Agreement Template
A written record of how separated or divorced parents share parenting time, decision-making, and financial responsibility for their children.
PDF ready · No upload needed.
Based on 36,664 reviews
How to fill in a custody agreement template
Three simple steps to create your custody agreement.
Open the template
Open the custody agreement template to see the sections you need to fill in.
Fill in the template
Fill in the template with parenting schedules, decision-making rights, and support terms.
Download the template
Download the completed template as a PDF ready to sign and share with the other parent.
What is a custody agreement?
A custody agreement is a written record between parents that sets out how they will raise their children after separating or divorcing. It covers physical custody, legal decision-making, and visitation, and often works alongside a custody and child support agreement template that spells out financial obligations too. Courts can approve the terms, but many parents draft one privately first to reach common ground before involving a judge.
Key Takeaways
- A custody agreement sets parenting terms
- Covers decision-making and visitation rights
- Can be reviewed and signed by both parents
What does a custody agreement look like?
A printable child custody agreement template PDF usually opens with the names of both parents and children, followed by a parenting time schedule, holiday and vacation rotation, decision-making authority for education and healthcare, and a section for financial support. Some parents prefer a notarized custody agreement template, with signature lines for each parent and a notary block at the end to confirm the agreement was reached willingly.
Can you create a custody agreement without court?
Many parents write a child custody agreement without court involvement, especially when they already agree on the basics. Putting the terms in writing helps avoid confusion later, even if a judge never reviews the document. However, an agreement reached this way isn't automatically enforceable unless a court later adopts it, so parents who want legal weight behind their arrangement usually file it for approval.
What does a 50/50 custody agreement include?
A 50/50 custody agreement template splits parenting time evenly between both households, usually alternating weeks or a two-two-three schedule. It should also address what happens when one parent is moving out of state with child custody agreement terms already in place, since relocation can affect the balance of time and require the agreement to be revisited.
Can a custody agreement cover pets too?
A temporary custody agreement template is useful while parents work out a longer-term plan, covering just weeks or months until circumstances settle. Some families also use a pet custody agreement template alongside the main document, since pets aren't legally treated the same as children but still need a clear schedule to avoid disputes between former partners.
Frequently asked questions
