Free Parental Agreement Template
Parental Agreement
This Parental Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into by and between [YOUR NAME] ("First Party") and [CLIENT'S NAME] ("Second Party") (now and then, either party may be referred to as a "Parent" and jointly as the "Parents"), about the rights, responsibilities, and obligations associated with raising their child(ren).
I. Custody
I.I Legal Custody: The parents shall share joint legal custody of the child(ren), meaning both parents have equal rights and responsibilities regarding major decisions affecting the child(ren)'s welfare, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
I.II Physical Custody: The parents shall share joint physical custody of the child(ren) with the following schedule:
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The child(ren) shall reside with Parent 1 every Monday to Wednesday, and with Parent 2 every Thursday to Sunday.
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Alternatively, during the school year, the child(ren) shall reside primarily with Parent 1, with Parent 2 having visitation rights every other weekend and specified holidays.
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During school breaks and vacations, including summer vacation, the child(ren) shall spend alternating weeks with each parent.
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Both parents shall cooperate to ensure smooth transitions and exchanges of the child(ren) between households and shall maintain flexibility in scheduling to accommodate the child(ren)'s needs and activities.
II. Visitation Schedule:
a. The non-custodial parent shall have visitation rights as follows:
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Every other weekend from Friday at 6:00 PM until Sunday at 6:00 PM.
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One evening per week for dinner from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, mutually agreed upon by both parents.
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Alternating major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Easter, and Independence Day, with arrangements to be made in advance and shared equally between the parents.
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Each parent shall have the child(ren) for half of their summer vacation, with exact dates to be determined by mutual agreement or by alternating weeks starting from the end of the school year.
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Special occasions, such as the child(ren)'s birthdays and other significant events, shall be shared equitably between the parents, with arrangements made in advance and documented in this agreement.
b. Both parents shall adhere to the visitation schedule unless otherwise agreed upon in advance.
III. Decision-Making Authority
a. Major decisions regarding the child(ren)'s education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities shall be made jointly by both parents.
b. In the event of disagreement, the parents shall attempt to resolve disputes through mediation or other mutually agreed-upon methods.
IV. Child Support
a. The non-custodial parent shall provide financial support to the custodial parent for the benefit of the child(ren) by the applicable state guidelines.
b. The amount of child support shall be determined based on the income of both parents and the needs of the child(ren).
V. Communication
a. Both parents shall encourage open and respectful communication regarding matters concerning the child(ren).
b. Both parents shall provide each other with updated contact information and shall promptly communicate any changes in the child(ren)'s schedule or needs.
VI Dispute Resolution
If any disputes or disagreements arise about the interpretation or implementation of this agreement, the parties involved have agreed that their first course of action will be to try and resolve their issues through the process of mediation. However, in the event that mediation proves unsuccessful in reaching a satisfactory resolution for both parties, it is agreed upon that either party reserves the right to pursue a resolution through the use of legal means.
VII. Modification of Agreement
This agreement, that has been put in place, has been agreed upon with the flexibility that it may be modified or amended at any given time if both parents come to a mutual written consent to do so. However, this form of adjustment is conditioned under the prerequisite that such changes, modifications, or amendments are firmly held in the best interests of the child or children that are concerned in this particular agreement.
VIII. Governing Law
The governance of this agreement will adhere strictly to the legislative framework outlined within the specified jurisdiction. All aspects of the agreement's administration and enforcement will be conducted by the laws and regulations applicable in that jurisdiction. Any disputes or interpretations arising from this agreement will be resolved within the legal framework provided by the stated jurisdiction.
9. Signatures
This agreement, to be explicitly clear, is entered into voluntarily and with fully informed agreement by each of the parents who have put their signature below, and this has taken place on the predefined date herein mentioned as This agreement is hereby entered into voluntarily by the undersigned parents on [Date].
[YOUR NAME]
[CLIENT'S NAME]