Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Joint Physical Custody Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION WORKSHEET (JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT

vs.

The Combined Child Support Obligation Table used for calculation is:

78B-12-301(1) and 78B-12-302(1)

78B-12-301(2) and 78B-12-302(2)

CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION WORKSHEET
(JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY)

Civil No.

MOTHER
FATHER
COMBINED
1. Enter the # of natural and adopted children of this mother and father for whom support is to be awarded.
2a. Enter the father’s and mother’s gross monthly income. Refer to Instructions for definition of income.
$
$
2b. Enter previously ordered alimony that is actually paid. (Do not enter alimony ordered for this case.)
-
-
2c. Enter previously ordered child support. (Do not enter obligations ordered for the children in Line 1.)
-
-
2d. OPTIONAL: Enter the amount from Line 12 of the Children in Present Home Worksheet for either parent.
-
-
3. Subtract Lines 2b, 2c, and 2d from 2a. This is the Adjusted Gross Income for child support purposes.
$
$
$
4. Take the COMBINED figure in Line 3 and the number of children in Line 1 to the Support Table. Enter the Combined Support Obligation here.
$
5. Divide each parent’s adjusted monthly gross in Line 3 by the COMBINED adjusted monthly gross in Line 3.
%
%
6. Multiply Line 4 by Line 5 for each parent to obtain each parent’s share of the Base Support Obligation.
$
$
7. Enter the number of overnights the children will spend with each parent. (They must total 365).
365
7b. Identify the parent who has the child the lesser number of overnights, and continue the rest of the calculation for them.
8a. For the parent who has the child the lesser number of overnights multiply the number of overnights that are greater than 110 but less than 131 by .0027 to obtain a resulting figure and enter in the space to the right.
8b. Multiply the result on Line 8a by the Combined Support Obligation on Line 4 for this parent and enter the number in the space to the right.
$
8c. Subtract the respective dollar amount on Line 8b from this parent’s share of the Base Support Obligation found in the column for this parent on Line 6 to determine the amount as indicated by U.C.A. 78B-12-208 (3)(a) and enter the amount to the right.
$
9a. Additional calculation necessary if both parents have the child for more than 131 overnights (Otherwise go to Line 10): multiply the number of overnights that exceed 130 by .0084 to obtain a resulting figure and enter it to the right.
9b. Multiply the result on Line 9a by the Combined Support Obligation on Line 4 for this parent and enter each in the space to the right.
$
9c. Subtract this parent’s dollar amount on Line 9b from their respective amount as identified on Line 8c to determine the amount as indicated by U.C.A. 78B-12-208 (3)(b) and enter the amount to the right. Go to Line 10.
$

10. BASE CHILD SUPPORT AWARD: If the result in Line 9c is > 0, then this parent is the obligor (and the other parent is the obligee). Enter the amount in Line 9c here. If the result in Line 9c is < 0, then this parent is the obligee (and the other parent is the obligor). Enter the absolute value of the result in Line 9c here.

$

11. Which parent is the obligor? Mother Father

12. Is the support award the same as the guideline amount in Line 10? Yes No

If NO, enter the amount ordered: $ , and answer number 13.

13. What were the reasons stated by the Court for the deviation?

property settlement

excessive debts of the marriage

absence of need of the custodial parent

other:

Attorney Bar No. 6/09

Instructions for the Joint Physical Custody Worksheet

Line 1. Enter the number of natural and adopted children of the mother and father for whom support is to be determined. Do not include any children of either parent by another partner on this line. If a child for whom support is to be determined is an unemancipated minor who does not live with his parents, use the total number of children, including the unemancipated minor, by that set of parents for Line 1.

Line 2a. Enter the mother's and father's gross monthly income. U.C.A. 78B-12-203(1) states: “As used in the guidelines, ‘gross income’ includes prospective income from any source, including earned and nonearned income sources...”

Line 2b. Enter the amount of alimony either parent is court ordered to pay and actually pays to another parent.

Line 2c. Enter the amount of support either parent is court ordered to pay for children by another partner.

Line 2d. Use the worksheet to determine obligations for children in present home and subtract the appropriate parent's income before determining the award in the instant case.

Line 3. Complete the calculation as directed.

Line 4. The amount on the "Combined Child Support Obligation Table" shows the amount BOTH parents combined should contribute for the support of their child(ren).

Line 5. Calculate each parent's share of the amount in Line 4 as a percentage figure.

Line 6. Calculate each parent’s share of the amount in Line 4 as a dollar amount.

Line 7. This is the total number of overnights the children will have with each parent.

Line 7b. Identify the parent who has the child(ren) the lesser number of overnights and continue only for this parent.

Line 8a. This is the mathematical figure that will be used to reduce the base support obligation for overnights totaling between 110 to 130.

Line 8b. This is the combined support obligation as a dollar figure for this parent.

Line 8c. This is this parent’s share of the base support obligation as a dollar figure.

Line 9a. If both parents have the child for more than 131 overnights, continue the calculation as directed.

Line 9b. Complete the calculation as directed. This is the combined support obligation as a dollar figure for this parent.

Line 9c. Complete the calculation as directed. This is this parent’s share of the base support obligation as a dollar figure.

Line 10. Designate which parent must pay support and the support amount by completing the calculation as directed.

Line 11. Designate which parent must pay support.

Line 12. Complete Line 12 to indicate if the amount ordered deviates from the guideline amount in Line 10.

Line 13. Complete Line 13 if the obligor will not be ordered to pay the guideline amount.

Enter text✕
Prepare your document for signing right on this page
  • 01 Edit the text and complete the fields
  • 02 Click Sign Now and on the next screen add recipients and signature fields in SignNow
  • 03 Start your free trial to sign and send your doc
Sign Now

What a Joint Physical Custody Agreement Is and When It Applies

A Joint Physical Custody Agreement is a written arrangement between two parents that allocates physical parenting time with one or more children and sets practical terms for exchanges, transportation, holiday schedules, decision-making coordination, and dispute resolution. It functions as a private contract that can be used to guide co-parenting day-to-day operations and, where appropriate, may be submitted to a family court for incorporation into an enforceable parenting order. Electronic signatures can be used in most jurisdictions under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA (1999) where adopted, but family-law procedures and court rules can affect whether a court will accept an unsigned or unsigned-by-the-court private agreement.

Why a Clear Joint Physical Custody Agreement Matters

A clear written agreement reduces ambiguity about daily custody logistics, documents parental intent, and supports consistent routines for children. When incorporated by a court, it becomes a binding parenting plan and helps the court evaluate compliance during disputes or modification requests.

Why a Clear Joint Physical Custody Agreement Matters

Who Typically Prepares or Signs This Agreement

The Joint Physical Custody Agreement is commonly completed by parents directly or by legal professionals and mediators who assist with drafting and alignment.

  • Parents who share physical custody and want a written parenting time schedule and logistics.
  • Family law attorneys or mediators preparing court-ready parenting plans and consent orders.
  • Child welfare professionals or guardians ad litem reviewing arrangements for best-interests analysis.

Parties should consider legal review before filing with the family court to confirm enforceability and compliance with local rules.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Agreement

A complete Joint Physical Custody Agreement addresses parental identities, a detailed custody and exchange schedule, decision-making rules, communication protocols, dispute resolution, and amendment procedures, so that expectations are clear and enforceable.

Parties

Full legal names for each parent and any legal guardians, with date of birth for each child and current residential addresses to eliminate ambiguity about signatory identity.

Custody Schedule

Precise recurring parenting-time schedule describing weekdays, weekends, holiday allocation, summer schedules, school breaks, and provisions for special occasions with clock-in/clock-out times where needed.

Exchange Logistics

Location, transportation responsibilities, drop-off/pick-up protocol, and procedures for late arrivals, missed exchanges, or emergency changes to avoid routine disputes.

Decision-Making

Allocation of major decisions (education, medical, religion) and process for day-to-day choices, including notice, consultation, and tie-breaker methods when parents disagree.

Dispute Resolution

Agreement on mediation or parenting coordination before returning to court, selection of mediators, and allocation of associated costs to minimize litigation.

Modification Terms

Process for requesting changes, required notice periods, material-change thresholds, and how to document agreed amendments for later court filing.

Step-by-Step: Creating and Finalizing the Agreement

Follow an ordered process to collect facts, draft terms, review with professionals, and finalize signatures for clarity and enforceability.

  • 01
    Gather Information: Collect IDs, proof of residency, child DOBs, school schedules, and relevant court case numbers.
  • 02
    Draft Terms: Create a detailed parenting-time and decision-making section to reduce ambiguity.
  • 03
    Professional Review: Share the draft with an attorney or mediator to confirm compliance with local family court rules.
  • 04
    Sign and Preserve: Have both parties sign, notarize if required, and retain certified copies for court and schools.

Configuring an Online Workflow for Completion

When completing the agreement digitally, configure fields, authentication, and routing to match legal and court submission needs.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Require date-stamped signature with signer name auto-filled
Authentication Use email + SMS code or ID verification when courts require stronger signer identity
Conditional Fields Show modification clauses only if parties select 'agreement subject to future change'
Routing Set signing order: Parent A → Parent B → Mediator/Attorney (if applicable)

Technical Considerations for eSigning and Sharing

Choose a platform that supports PDF/DOCX uploads, audit trails, and appropriate signer authentication to meet local court expectations.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX are widely accepted; ensure exported signed PDFs include an audit trail
  • Integrations: Common integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and cloud storage providers for secure archival
  • Authentication: Support for SMS codes, ID verification, and audit logs aligns with stronger identity requirements

Where to Send or File the Final Agreement

Finalize distribution steps once the agreement is signed so each party, counsel, and the court (if requested) has an official copy.

  • Family Court Clerk: File the agreement or a proposed order per local court filing rules for incorporation into the case record.
  • Opposing Counsel: Send a signed copy to the other party's attorney for their records and court submission.
  • Mediator or Coordinator: Provide copies to any agreed mediator or parenting coordinator who helped draft the plan.
  • Personal Records: Each parent should keep a certified copy and an electronic copy with audit trail for quick reference.

Typical Timing and Scheduling Expectations

Timing for hearings, filing, and temporary orders varies widely by jurisdiction; check local family court rules for precise deadlines and scheduling norms.

Initial Filing:

File promptly; clerk schedules the first appearance based on local backlog and rules.

Temporary Orders:

Temporary custody hearings commonly occur within 30–60 days after filing, depending on court calendars.

Final Hearing Window:

Final resolution can range from a few months to over a year based on complexity and court availability.

Modification Requests:

Courts typically require a material-change showing and may set special timelines for expedited review.

Record Retention:

Keep signed agreements and filing receipts indefinitely or per local record rules for later proof.

Legal Risks If the Agreement Is Incorrect or Ignored

Non-Enforceability: If not incorporated by the court, private agreements may lack enforceable remedies.
Contempt Exposure: Violation of a court-ordered plan can lead to contempt proceedings and sanctions.
Child Welfare Concerns: Inadequate notice or unsafe exchanges can prompt agency involvement and emergency orders.
Tax/Benefit Impacts: Incorrect custody facts can affect tax dependency claims and benefit eligibility.
Delay Costs: Incomplete or ambiguous terms increase attorney time and court costs.
Privacy Breach: Sharing sensitive records without consent risks HIPAA or FERPA-related exposures.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vague scheduling language (for example, 'alternate weekends') that invites differing interpretations and courtroom disputes.
  • Omitting specific exchange locations or transportation responsibilities, which increases missed exchanges and conflict.
  • Failing to address holidays and school breaks separately from the regular schedule, creating recurring disagreements.
  • Not confirming local court rules about notarization, witness requirements, or filing formats prior to submission.

Essential Information and Documents to Include

Parent Names: Full legal names as on ID
Child Identifiers: Full names and MM/DD/YYYY DOBs
Addresses: Current street, city, state, ZIP
Court Case Number: Include if related to a pending case
Supporting Records: School, medical, or custody evaluations
Proof of Service: Filing receipts or certified delivery records

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Adopt straightforward language, verify identities, and align the agreement with local court rules to reduce rework and disputes.

Be Specific
Use precise schedules, addresses, and handoff times to avoid interpretive disputes and minimize court involvement.
Document Changes
Record amendments in writing with signatures and dates; avoid relying on informal text or email modifications alone.
Check Local Rules
Confirm clerk requirements for notarization, witness counts, or e-file formats before filing to ensure court acceptance.
Preserve Audit Trails
If using e-signatures, retain the audit trail (timestamps, IP addresses, authentication method) to support enforceability.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison for Executing Agreements

Quick pricing and capability comparison among common eSignature providers. Place signNow first per vendor labeling rules; verify plan features with each vendor before purchase.

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 Yes, 7-day free 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

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Answers to common questions about use, enforceability, and electronic completion of a Joint Physical Custody Agreement.


Need help? Contact support

Explore Templates

DV-116 Order on Request to Continue Court Hearing DV-120 Response to Request for Domestic Violence Response to Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order Response to Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order Response to Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order DV-130 Restraining Order After Hearing
be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users
Sign Now
Company
Forms
Pricing
Resources
Knowledge base
Other Products
© 2026 airSlate Inc. All rights reserved.