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Florida Child Custody Agreement

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UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (UCCJEA) AFFIDAVIT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR COUNTY, FLORIDA

Case No.:

Division:

, Petitioner,

and

, Respondent.

I, , being sworn, certify that the following statements are true:

1. The number of minor child(ren) subject to this proceeding is . The name, place of birth, birth date, and sex of each child; the present address, periods of residence, and places where each child has lived within the past five (5) years; and the name, present address, and relationship to the child of each person with whom the child has lived during that time are:

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT CHILD # 1:

Child’s Full Legal Name:

Place of Birth: Date of Birth: Sex:

Child’s Residence for the past 5 years:

Dates (From/To) Address (including city and state) where child lived Name and present address of person child lived with Relationship to child

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT CHILD # :

Child’s Full Legal Name:

Place of Birth: Date of Birth: Sex:

Child’s Residence for the past 5 years:

Dates (From/To) Address (including city and state) where child lived Name and present address of person child lived with Relationship to child

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TRUE ABOUT CHILD # :

Child’s Full Legal Name:

Place of Birth: Date of Birth: Sex:

2. Participation in custody or time-sharing proceeding(s):

[Choose only one] I HAVE NOT participated as a party, witness, or in any capacity in any other litigation or custody proceeding in this or any other state, jurisdiction, or country, concerning parental responsibility for, custody of, or time-sharing or visitation with a child subject to this proceeding.

I HAVE participated as a party, witness, or in any capacity in any other litigation or custody proceeding in this or another state, jurisdiction, or country, concerning parental responsibility for, custody of, or time-sharing or visitation with a child subject to this proceeding. Explain:

a. Name of each child:

b. Type of proceeding:

c. Court and state:

d. Date of court order or judgment (if any):

3. Information about custody or time-sharing proceeding(s):

[Choose only one] I HAVE NO INFORMATION of any parental responsibility, custody, time-sharing, or visitation proceeding pending in a court of this or any other state, jurisdiction, or country concerning a child subject to this proceeding.

I HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION concerning a parental responsibility, custody, time-sharing, or visitation proceeding pending in a court of this or another state concerning a child subject to this proceeding, other than set out in item 2. Explain:

a. Name of each child involved in said litigation:

b. Type of proceeding:

c. Court and state:

d. Date of court order or judgment (if any):

e. Case Number:

4. Persons not a party to this proceeding:

[Choose only one] I DO NOT KNOW OF ANY PERSON in this or any other state, jurisdiction, or country, who is not a party to this proceeding and who has physical custody or claims to have parental responsibility for, custody of, or time-sharing or visitation with respect to any child subject to this proceeding.

I KNOW THAT THE FOLLOWING NAMED PERSON(S), not a party to this proceeding, has (have) physical custody or claim(s) to have parental responsibility for, custody of, or time-sharing or visitation with respect to any child subject to this proceeding:

a. Name and address of person:

has physical custody

claims parental responsibility or custody rights

claims time-sharing or visitation

Name of each child:

Relationship to child, if any:

b. Name and address of person:

has physical custody

claims parental responsibility or custody rights

claims time-sharing or visitation

Name of each child:

Relationship to child, if any:

c. Name and address of person:

has physical custody

claims parental responsibility or custody rights

claims time-sharing or visitation

Name of each child:

Relationship to child, if any:

5. Knowledge of prior child support proceedings:

[Choose only one] The child(ren) described in this affidavit are NOT subject to existing child support order(s) in this or any other state, jurisdiction, or country.

The child(ren) described in this affidavit are subject to the following existing child support order(s):

a. Name of each child:

b. Type of proceeding:

c. Court and address:

d. Date of court order/judgment (if any):

e. Amount of child support ordered to be paid and by whom:

6. I acknowledge that I have a continuing duty to advise this Court of any parental responsibility, custody, time-sharing or visitation, child support, or guardianship proceeding (including dissolution of marriage, separate maintenance, child neglect, or dependency) concerning the child(ren) in this state or any other state about which information is obtained during this proceeding.

7. A completed Notice of Confidential Information within Court Filing, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Appendix to Rule 2.420 Form, is filed with this Affidavit.

I certify that a copy of this document was e-served mailed faxed and mailed hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on .

Other party or his/her attorney:

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Fax Number:

Designated E-mail Address(es):

I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this affidavit and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or imprisonment.

Dated:

Signature of Party:

Printed Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone Number:

Fax Number:

Designated E-mail Address(es):

STATE OF FLORIDA

COUNTY OF

Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on by .

NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK

[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or clerk.]

Personally known

Produced identification

Type of identification produced

IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:

This form was prepared for the Petitioner Respondent

This form was completed with the assistance of:

Name of individual:

Name of business:

Address:

City: State: Zip code: Telephone number:

Enter text✕

What the Florida Child Custody Agreement Is

A Florida Child Custody Agreement is a written arrangement between parents or legal guardians that sets out custody, time-sharing (parenting time), and decision-making responsibilities for a child. When adopted or incorporated into a court order under Florida Statutes ch. 61, it defines legal rights and routines, clarifies schedules, and can be enforced by the family court. Parties commonly use a signed agreement to guide daily parenting, to document temporary arrangements during divorce or separation, or to propose a parenting plan for court approval.

Why a Written Agreement Helps Families and Courts

A clear custody agreement reduces ambiguity over parenting time, decision-making, and expenses; it supports stable routines for the child and provides evidence to the court if enforcement or modification is required.

Why a Written Agreement Helps Families and Courts

Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Agreement

The agreement is usually prepared by one or both parents, family law attorneys, mediators, or court self-help centers before filing with the clerk of the family court.

  • Parents negotiating custody and parenting plans for minor children.
  • Family law attorneys and mediators drafting enforceable parenting schedules.
  • Guardians ad litem, social workers, or court-appointed evaluators reviewing terms.

Courts, guardians ad litem, and child welfare professionals may review the agreement during proceedings to confirm it serves the child's best interests.

Core Components to Include in a Professional Agreement

A thorough Florida Child Custody Agreement organizes responsibilities, routines, and dispute processes so judges can evaluate and, if appropriate, adopt it into a court order.

Parties

Full legal names, relationship to the child, and contact information for each parent or guardian; include any alternate emergency contacts and legal representation details.

Custody Type

Specify sole or shared parental responsibility and detail which parent has final decision-making authority for major issues such as education, healthcare, and religion.

Time-Sharing

A weekly and holiday schedule with pick-up/drop-off logistics, summer and school-break arrangements, and procedures for make-up parenting time after missed visits.

Decision-Making

Define allocation of major decisions (medical, educational, extracurricular) and routine day-to-day authority; include notice and consultation procedures between parents.

Financial Responsibilities

Outline child support contributions, division of uninsured medical costs, extracurricular fees, and how extraordinary expenses will be shared or documented.

Dispute Resolution

Describe mediation or arbitration requirements, notice periods before court filing, and steps for emergency modifications when child safety is at issue.

Essential Information Fields to Complete

Child Name: Full legal name
Birth Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Parent Names: Full legal names
Addresses: Street, city, state, ZIP
School: Current school name
Medical Provider: Primary physician info

Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Agreement

Follow a consistent order: identify parties, define custody and time-sharing, allocate decision-making, set financial terms, add dispute-resolution, then sign and submit to the court if needed.

  • 01
    Gather documents: Collect birth certificates, existing court orders, and school/medical records.
  • 02
    Draft terms: Write clear schedules, decision rules, and expense-sharing details.
  • 03
    Review with counsel: Have an attorney or mediator check legal sufficiency and best-interest alignment.
  • 04
    Sign and date: All parties sign; notarize if requested and retain copies.

Customize and Complete the Agreement Online

Use an e-signature workflow that enforces signer order, authentication, and conditional fields for optional clauses.

Field Configuration
Template Name Use clear, versioned title
Signer Order Set parent order or simultaneous signing
Authentication Email + SMS code or stronger
Conditional Fields Show custody options only when selected

Where to File and How to Route the Agreement

Decide whether the agreement stays private between parents or is filed with the county family court to seek judicial enforceability.

  • File with Court: Submit to the county clerk in the family division.
  • Share with Counsel: Provide opposing counsel or mediator a signed copy.
  • Provide to Evaluators: Give copies to guardians ad litem or custody evaluators when ordered.
  • Record Retention: Keep certified or notarized originals for court proceedings.

Distribution and Digital Signing: Platform Considerations

Choose a platform that supports legal eSignatures, secure storage, and formats courts accept for filing.

  • Accepted Formats: PDF, Word DOCX, or court-specified formats
  • Integrations: Connectors to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
  • Audit Trail: Timestamps, IP, and signer details

Common Timing and Court-Related Deadlines

Timing depends on local rules and the family court calendar; prepare drafts early and allow time for mediation, review, and court scheduling.

Temporary Relief Hearings:

Often scheduled within weeks of filing, subject to court availability

Mediation Periods:

Jurisdictions may require mediation before contested hearings

Response Deadlines:

Opposing party typically has a set time to object after filing

Entry of Final Order:

Timeline varies; court may adopt agreement at hearing

Modification Requests:

File when material change in circumstances occurs

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Agreement

  • Using vague schedule language that causes pickup or custody disputes and court intervention.
  • Failing to include signatures, dates, or notarization when the court or other party requests them.
  • Omitting expense-sharing details, leading to later disagreement over medical or extracurricular costs.
  • Assuming oral modifications are valid without written, signed amendments or court approval.

Risks and Legal Consequences of an Incorrect Agreement

Enforcement Delay: Court may refuse to adopt unclear terms
Contempt Risk: Failure to follow a court order can lead to contempt
Modification Denial: Incomplete evidence may block later changes
Financial Liability: Unclear expense sharing can create unpaid obligations
Custody Repercussions: Noncompliance may affect best-interest findings
Privacy Exposure: Improperly shared records can breach confidentiality

Practical Examples of How an Agreement Is Used

Two short scenarios illustrate common uses: a negotiated parenting plan incorporated by the court and a temporary arrangement pending divorce.

Negotiated Parenting Plan

Parents agree to a shared schedule and mediation clause

  • Agreement submitted to court as a proposed order
  • Court reviews, may adopt terms if they serve the child's best interests and issues an enforceable order.

Temporary Custody Agreement

Parties set interim parenting time during separation

  • Includes emergency medical decision rules
  • Temporary agreement helps stabilize routines while the family awaits final hearing or mediation outcomes.

eSignature Vendor Pricing Snapshot for Custody Agreements

Compare common eSignature vendors on starting price and basic capabilities relevant to signing and storing Florida Child Custody Agreements.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Child Custody Agreements

Answers address common legal and practical concerns about signing, filing, modification, and recordkeeping for custody agreements in Florida.


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