Tips for creating a custom custody agreement for your family

You and your ex are going to both be as involved in your child’s life as possible after divorce. But you are worried about coming up with a custody agreement that works for the both of you and, most importantly, your children.

Thinking methodically about devising your custody agreement can help minimize disagreements both during the planning process and as you implement it. You can do this by keeping the agreement detailed and keeping your children at the center of it all.

No such thing as overplanning

When coming up with your custody agreement, there really isn’t a detail that is too small to include. The planning you put in can range from the overarching custody schedule to specific times for child drop-off and pick-ups.

You can also consider thinking about the schedule in terms of a weekly and annual basis. For example, come up with a system that helps you track week-to-week obligations like taking your child to school, extracurricular activities or medical appointments. It can also be useful to think about long-term events, including how visitation will work on each holiday and when family vacations can take place with each parent. This will help your children stay on top of their priorities and stick to a consistent routine and leave little room for debating about the schedule.

To help combat any potential scheduling conflicts, you may want to think about setting rules regarding schedule change requests as you create your custody schedule. Maybe the last thing you ever want to do is be forgiving toward your ex. However, setting a rule that creates a little room for flexibility when life’s surprises come your way can benefit the both of you.

All about the kids

Keeping your child’s well-being as you approach the development of a custody agreement can help you stay on track. Instead of thinking you have to compromise for your ex, think of how important it will be for your child to have a schedule that makes way for a meaningful relationship with both you and your ex. Research shows that stable parent-child connections can help your child feel safe and secure in the present and make positive decisions for themselves as they get older.

Creating a seamless transition for your child can help you and your ex co-parent with ease and leave your child feeling fully supported as they begin to live between two homes.