Child custody matters can be quite a problem between divorcing / divorced parents. While many divorced couples do settle these matters amicably, there is always a chance that one or the other will back out and go to court asking for additional benefits as far as the child is concerned. When you get divorced, it is best to settle your child’s custody matters at the very beginning – in writing.
A child custody agreement is usually charted out between the parents – some parents (who are on amicable terms with each other), may choose to write an agreement themselves and have a witness sign it, to be submitted to the local domestic relations office. However, it is best to involve a lawyer so that there is no room for doing anything nefarious at either end. The terms of a child custody agreement are usually quite simple – the custodial parent is the one the child will live with most of the time and this is the person that child support payments will be made to.
If you are writing a child custody agreement letter, make sure that it is simple and logical. There is no need to get into technical jargon – unless you are doing this through the court. The letter should be able to accurately represent the decision of both parents regarding child custody. Here is a sample that you can refer to:
Child Custody Agreement Letter Sample
September 30, 2016
Mr. Luke Evans
Domestic Relations Officer
Monroe County
778 Middleton Road
Covington, GA 39173
Dear Mr. Evans:
This child custody agreement has been charted out at the request of Ms. Sarah Lodge (previously Mrs. Sarah Hiddleton) and Mr. Thomas Hiddleton to detail the terms of custody and child support payments of their child Ms. Sandra Hiddleton (aged 5). In their combined effort to share in the emotional, physical and financial support to Ms. Hiddleton, the following have been agreed upon:
Residence
Ms. Hiddleton will be residing with her mother (custodial parent) at 45 Red Rover Road, Covington, 7 days a week, until she turn 8, upon which this agreement may be modified to suit both parents.
Visiting Rights
Mr. Thomas Hiddleton has the right to visit his daughter at his will, provided that the custodial parent has been notified at least 24 hours in advance.
Physical Proximity and Relocation
If either parent decides to move or relocate to another state or city, he or she will notify the other. Both parents agree that it will be in the best interest of their child to remain within close proximity to each other.
Financial Matters
Both parents agree that they will be individually responsible for Ms. Hiddleton’s day to day expenses. A separate child support agreement will be drawn to chart out the monthly amount that will be paid to the custodial parent as child support fees.
______________________ ________________________
Sarah Lodge (Custodial Parent) Thomas Hiddleton
Both parents have understood and agreed to the terms charted out in this agreement – please refer to their signatures above. As a legal counsel representing Ms. Sarah Lodge, I have witnessed their agreement and would like to submit the same to the county office for approval and record purposes.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
John Grisham
Legal Counsel
Redford Legal Services
4521 Fire Avenue
Covington, GA 39173