Sample Parenting Agreements Part 2
In the last post we explored some sample custody and visitation schedules. In this part of the sample parenting agreements series, we’ll look at the second big section of the parenting agreement.
Custody Provisions and Stipulations
Once you have your schedule all figured out, you can move on to the custody provisions and stipulations. This is a vital part of your agreement because it sets up important custody rules and guidelines for your situation. The first thing to do is find out if your state requires any specific provisions in the agreement. The most common required provisions are: how parents will resolve future disputes, how changes will be made to the agreement, how the parents will handle visitation, what happens if a parent doesn’t follow the agreement, information about legal custody, etc.
After you’ve included the required provisions, take some time to think if you want to add any other stipulations. To decide this, think about the issue that causes the most problems. Then, address the issue and present a solution in the provision. For example, if you and the other parent argue about late visitation then you could include a provision that has a consequence for arriving late for visitation.
Some sample provisions that people include in their parenting agreement are:
- A parent must give the other parent a travel itinerary when traveling with the child,
- Each parent is allowed to take the child on vacation for a week during the year if they give thirty days notice to the other parent,
- A parent must inform the other parent when getting a passport for the child,
- Each parent is required to give the other parent an accurate address and telephone number,
- The mother and father must inform the other parent if they move,
- The parents must both agree on extra-curricular activities the child will be involved in,
- The parent must be informed if another adult is living in the house with the child,
- Each parent has access to the child’s records, etc.
There are countless provisions and stipulations that can enhance the agreement. Be sure to include ones that can help you.
