Child Custody Agreement Template

A child custody agreement (also called a parenting plan) is a critical document for separated or divorced parents that establishes the care, custody, and visitation arrangements for their children. A clear, detailed custody agreement reduces conflict and confusion by documenting exactly how co-parenting will work.

This custody agreement template covers both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives). It addresses: the custody arrangement type (sole, joint, shared), the primary residence and living schedule, visitation/parenting time schedule, holiday and vacation schedules, transportation arrangements, decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and religion, communication protocols between parents, dispute resolution procedures, and modification provisions.

The template includes several common schedule options: alternating weeks, 2-2-3 schedule, every weekend, extended summer visitation, and more. It also addresses special considerations like school schedules, extracurricular activities, childcare arrangements, and how parents will share child-related expenses.

Important: Child custody arrangements must be approved by a court to be legally enforceable. This template provides a framework for parents to agree on terms before presenting them to a judge.