Free Parenting Agreement Template

Download

Share

Free Parenting Agreement Template

Parenting Agreement

This Parenting Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on [date], by and between [Parent A Name], residing at [Parent A Address], and [Parent B Name]], residing at [Parent B Address], collectively referred to as the "Parents."

I. Custody Arrangements

1.1 Legal Custody

The Parents agree to share joint legal custody of the children. Both Parents shall have equal rights and responsibilities regarding major decisions affecting the children's welfare, including but not limited to education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities.

1.2 Physical Custody

Weekdays

  • The child(ren) shall reside with Parent A from Monday morning until Wednesday morning.

  • The child(ren) shall reside with Parent B from Wednesday morning until Friday morning.

Weekends

  • Weekends shall alternate between the Parents.

  • On weekends when Child(ren) is with Parent A, custody shall begin Friday morning and continue until Sunday evening.

  • On weekends when Child(ren) is with Parent B, custody shall begin Friday evening and continue until Sunday evening.

Holidays

  • The Parents shall alternate holidays on an annual basis, with Parent A having the children on specified holidays in odd-numbered years and Parent B having the children on specified holidays in even-numbered years.

  • Holidays shall include but are not limited to Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter, and Independence Day.

  • Each Parent shall have the children for half of the summer break, with specific dates to be agreed

Vacation Periods

  • Each Parent shall have the right to two weeks of uninterrupted vacation time with the children each year, to be scheduled with reasonable notice to the other Parent.

  • The vacation schedule shall take priority over regular custody arrangements but shall not interfere with significant events or holidays already specified in the custody schedule unless mutually agreed upon.

II. Visitation Schedule

2.1 Visitation Schedule for Non-Custodial Parent

Regular Visitation Schedule

The non-custodial parent shall have visitation with the children on the following days and times:

  • Every other weekend, from Friday at 6:00 PM to Sunday at 6:00 PM.

  • One evening per week, on Wednesday, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

  • Every other Thursday, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Holiday Visitation

The non-custodial parent shall have visitation with the children on specified holidays as follows:

  • Thanksgiving

    The non-custodial parent shall have visitation from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day.

  • Christmas Evening

    The non-custodial parent shall have visitation from 9:00 AM on December 24th until noon on December 25th.

  • Christmas Day

    The custodial parent shall have visitation from noon on December 25th until 6:00 PM on December 26th.

  • New Year's Evening

    The non-custodial parent shall have visitation from 9:00 AM on December 31st until noon on January 1st.

  • New Year's Day

    The custodial parent shall have visitation from noon on January 1st until 6:00 PM on January 2nd.

Summer and Vacation Visitation

  • The non-custodial parent shall have extended visitation during the summer months, with dates to be mutually agreed upon or as specified in Appendix A.

  • Additional vacation time may be scheduled with reasonable notice to the custodial parent.

2.2 Visitation Exchange Provisions

Cooperation in Facilitating Exchanges

  • Both Parents shall cooperate in facilitating visitation exchanges and shall communicate effectively to ensure smooth transitions for the children.

  • Exchanges shall take place at mutually agreed-upon locations, typically the residence of the custodial parent or another designated location.

Promptness and Flexibility

  • Both Parents shall ensure that the children are promptly delivered and received at the designated times and locations for visitation exchanges.

  • In case of unforeseen circumstances or delays, the Parents shall communicate promptly and make necessary adjustments to the visitation schedule to minimize disruption for the children.

Communication During Exchanges:

  • Both the mother and father mutually agree on the fact that they will uphold a respectful and civil nature of communication during the times they exchange visits with their children. They have both vowed to ensure that they avoid engaging in any form of conflicts or disputes while their children are present, to protect them from any unnecessary exposure to a hostile environment.

Supervision and Third-Party Involvement

  • If supervision is required for visitation, the Parents shall agree on a suitable supervisor or third-party facilitator.

  • Both Parents shall abide by any court-ordered or mutually agreed-upon provisions regarding supervision or third-party involvement during visitation.

III. Decision-Making Authority

  • The parents have reached an agreement to mutually participate in discussions and to collectively come to decisions that concern significant issues, which directly impact the well-being and welfare of their children.

  • In the event of disagreement, the Parents shall attempt to resolve disputes through mediation or other agreed-upon methods before seeking court intervention.

IV. Child Support

The Parents shall share financial responsibility for the children based on their respective incomes and following the applicable child support guidelines and the non-custodial parent shall pay child support in the amount of [amount] per [month] to the custodial parent.

V. Communication

  • The Parents shall maintain open and respectful communication regarding matters concerning the children's well-being.

  • Both Parents shall promptly share important information and updates related to the children's health, education, and activities.

VI. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute arising under this Agreement, the Parents agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through mediation facilitated by a neutral third party. If mediation is unsuccessful, either Parent may seek court intervention to resolve the dispute.

VII. Modification and Termination

  • This Agreement may be modified by mutual written consent of both Parents.

  • Either Parent may seek modification of this Agreement upon a material change in circumstances affecting the children's welfare.

  • This Agreement shall remain in effect until the youngest child reaches the age of majority or until otherwise terminated by mutual agreement of the Parents.

VIII. Miscellaneous Provisions

8.1 Relocation

  • Written notice required: The parent intending to relocate must provide written notice to the other Parent.

  • Efforts for agreement: Both Parents will try to agree on custody modifications due to relocation.

  • Court approval: If no agreement is reached, the relocating parent must seek court approval for changes.

8.2Introduction of New Partners

  • Prioritizing children's well-being: Both Parents agree to prioritize the children's emotional and psychological well-being when introducing new partners.

  • Informing other Parent: Before introducing a new partner to the children, the introducing Parent shall inform the other Parent and allow for discussion.

  • Gradual introduction: New partners will be introduced gradually to minimize disruption to the children's routine and stability.

  • No disparagement: Neither Parent shall speak negatively about the other parent or their new partner in the presence of the children.

8.3 Medical and Educational Decisions

  • Open communication: Both Parents agree to maintain open communication regarding medical and educational decisions affecting the children.

  • Prompt notification: In case of a medical emergency or significant educational decision, both Parents shall promptly notify each other and consult whenever possible.

8.4 Dispute Resolution

  • Attempt mediation: Both Parents agree to attempt mediation to resolve disputes before seeking court intervention. Mediation involves a neutral third party facilitating discussions to help the Parents reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

8.5 Grandparent Visitation

  • Ensure the facilitation of reasonable visitation, unless such visitation would be against the best interests of the children involved or if such visitation would violate any existing laws.

8.6 Communication with Schools and Healthcare Providers

  • Access to children's information: Both Parents shall have access to information regarding the children's education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. This ensures that both Parents are informed about the children's well-being and progress.

  • Consent for activities and medical treatment: Both Parents shall provide consent for the children's participation in activities and medical treatment unless emergency circumstances dictate otherwise. This ensures that both Parents are involved in important decisions regarding the children's activities and healthcare.

IX. Signatures

The parties involved in this Agreement hereby declare and confirm that they have thoroughly read, reviewed, comprehended, and understood every term, condition, and provision outlined in this Agreement. Having familiarized themselves with all the details and implications, they willingly, without any coercion or undue influence, agree to accept and adhere to all of its stipulations, thus consenting to be strictly bound by the terms of this Agreement.

[Parent A Name]

[Parent B Name]

Agreement Templates @ Template.net