FREE 18+ Custody Agreement Samples in MS Word | Pages | Google Docs | PDF

In the US alone, there are more than 13 million single parents, according to the United States Census Bureau statistics report, wherein 80% are single mothers, and the rest or 1 in 5 are single fathers. And that just proves that most underaged children are often left in their mother’s care, be it due to separation, divorce, legal guardianship, or the death of the father. But, it does not mean that every child goes to his mother since there are also custody laws to abide when it comes to determining to whom the child goes. One of the essential documents to be signed by the parents or the custodians is known as the custody agreement form.

FREE 18+ Custody Agreement Samples

1. Child Custody Agreement Template

2. Free Full Custody Agreement Letter

3. Custody Agreement Template

4. Sole Custody Agreement Template

5. Notarized Custody Agreement Template

6. Sample Safe Custody Agreement Template

7. Sample Custody Agreement Form Template

8. Custody Agreement Template

9. Investor Custody and Settlement Agreement Template

10. Sample Temporary Custody Agreement Template

11. Collateral Custody Account Agreement Template

12. Sample Custodial Agreement Template

13. Custodial Statement & Agreement Template

14. Sample Child Custody Agreement Template

15. Simple Custody Agreement Template

16. Custody/Visitation Agreement Template

17. Sample Custody Agreement Format

18. Printable Custody Agreement Form Template

19. Sample Voluntary Custody Agreement Template

How to Make a Custody Agreement Effectively

According to lackeypllc.com, more than 50% of child custody cases get settled by having the mutual agreement of the involved parents or legal guardians of the child. This means that both parties have agreed to sign a custody agreement stating the custody resolution for the child. Also, some come into terms without the assistance of a mediator, while a mere 5% required a custody sample evaluation to take place to get a final verdict. But, regardless if there’s a mediator or not, when you begin establishing a custody agreement, you must keep the following tips in mind:

1. Prepare and Plan Your Agreement

Getting into a child custody case and making an agreement to aim a resolution can be challenging when you’re ill-equipped. So, prepare all legal forms and documents. Doing so will help you have a guide for the contents and proof of your claims in the sample agreement. Also, you must decide the format and the overall layout of your agreement beforehand.

2. Know and Focus on Your Audience and the Parties of the Agreement

Are you making the custody agreement for your partner to sign into, or are there other parties involved, such as the court, a custodian, or one who signed the legal guardianship of the child? By knowing who the involved parties of the custody agreement are, you’ll be able to specify and include their identities in the agreement. Also, this is crucial when it comes to indicating the names of who will be affixing their signatures to validate and acknowledge the agreement’s terms.

3. Always Include Details to be Specific

A custody agreement serves as proof that a mutual agreement had occurred between the involved parties. But, aside from that, it also serves as a guide for the involved parties to know what their obligations and limitations are, as well as what the terms and conditions of the agreement will be for its duration. Therefore, be specific with each statement and inclusion in the agreement, particularly when indicating limitations, financial requirements, and roles.

4. Use Correct Grammar and Clear Language

You can use legal terms if you want to, but make sure that you explain or define each term that you are using in the custody agreement. Defining is essential, especially in ensuring that all the involved parties, such as your partner or the others involved, will understand the content as the way you want them to know. Furthermore, proofread the entire agreement and be consistent with the terms and conditions. Also, indicate whether the agreement is for full custody or temporary custody of the child, to avoid confusion.

5. Present the Agreement to the Other Parties

You might be making the legal agreement, but it’s not just you who’s involved in it and required to fulfill the responsibilities and obligations stated in its terms. That’s why it’s relevant that you present the custody agreement to the other parties, as well as an attorney who can guide you in meeting the standards and requirements of the state. Pay attention to the suggestions, feedback, and the words of the other parties to note possible changes in the agreement.

FAQs

The right custody agreement will benefit people involved, and most especially, it will clear out any concerns and issues. So, make sure that you include all the essential in the custody agreement form template that you will be using, and that everything discusses the best options for the child.