I. Legal Custody
1.1. Joint Legal Custody:
Both parties shall share joint legal custody of the Child, meaning that they shall jointly make all major decisions regarding the Child’s health, education, and welfare, including but not limited to:
- Medical and dental care, including elective procedures.
- Education, including school enrollment and extracurricular activities.
- Religious upbringing.
1.2. Each parent shall keep the other informed of significant decisions and developments regarding the Child’s welfare and shall consult with one another in good faith to reach mutual decisions.
II. Physical Custody
2.1. Primary Physical Custody:
Primary physical custody of the Child shall be with [Parent 1 or Parent 2], subject to the visitation schedule outlined in Section III.
2.2. Shared Physical Custody (if applicable):
The parties agree to equally share physical custody of the Child, with the Child residing with each parent according to the schedule set forth in Section III.
III. Parenting Time/Visitation Schedule
3.1. Regular Parenting Time:
- The Child shall reside with [Parent 1] from [days of the week, e.g., “Monday at 8:00 AM until Friday at 6:00 PM”].
- The Child shall reside with [Parent 2] from [days of the week, e.g., “Friday at 6:00 PM until Monday at 8:00 AM”].
3.2. Holiday Schedule:
The parties agree to alternate major holidays as follows:
- Even Years: [Parent 1] shall have custody on [specific holidays, e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas Day].
- Odd Years: [Parent 2] shall have custody on [specific holidays, e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas Day].
- [Specify additional holiday details, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or school breaks.]
3.3. Vacation Time:
Each parent shall have [number] weeks of uninterrupted vacation time with the Child each calendar year. Written notice of vacation plans shall be provided to the other parent no later than [number of days] in advance.
IV. Child Support
4.1. Obligation to Support:
Child support shall be paid in accordance with the [state statute, e.g., “Texas Family Code § 154.001”], and as ordered by the Court.
4.2. Amount:
[Parent obligated to pay child support] shall pay [amount] per month to [receiving parent] beginning on [date] and continuing until the Child reaches the age of majority, becomes emancipated, or as otherwise ordered by the Court.
4.3. Division of Expenses:
The parties shall equally share the costs of the Child’s:
- Extracurricular activities.
- Medical and dental insurance premiums not covered by insurance.
- Educational expenses.
V. Communication and Transportation
5.1. Both parents shall have reasonable telephone, video, or electronic communication with the Child when the Child is in the other parent’s custody.
5.2. Transportation for visitation shall be shared as follows: [Specify details, e.g., “Each parent shall be responsible for pick-up and drop-off during their custodial period.”]
VI. Dispute Resolution
6.1. In the event of a disagreement regarding the terms of this Agreement, the parties agree to participate in mediation prior to seeking judicial intervention.
6.2. Both parties retain the right to petition the Court for enforcement or modification of this Agreement if mediation fails to resolve the issue.
VII. General Provisions
7.1. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties regarding the custody of the Child and supersedes any prior agreements or understandings.
7.2. Any modifications to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties or ordered by the Court.
7.3. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of [State].
