Legal Custody Forms

LEGAL CUSTODY AGREEMENT

This Legal Custody Agreement is entered into on by and between Parent 1 Name: residing at ("Parent 1"); and Parent 2 Name: residing at ("Parent 2").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the parties are the parents of the minor child(ren) identified below and seek to establish their respective rights and responsibilities with respect to legal custody and physical custody of the child(ren); and

WHEREAS, the parties intend for this Agreement to set forth each party's decision-making authority, parenting time schedule, procedures for emergencies and relocation, and mechanisms for resolving disputes affecting the child(ren)'s welfare; and

WHEREAS, the parties acknowledge that custody determinations shall be made in the best interests of the child(ren) and subject to modification by court order as provided by applicable law.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. CHILD(REN) IDENTIFICATION

Child 1 Full Name: Date of birth:

Child 2 Full Name: Date of birth:

Child 3 Full Name: Date of birth:

2. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement: "Legal custody" means the authority to make major decisions regarding the child(ren)'s health, education and welfare; "Physical custody" means the child's residence and day-to-day care; "Major decisions" include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, psychiatric/psychological treatment, primary school placement, and significant extracurricular commitments that require financial or long-term commitment.

3. LEGAL CUSTODY

The parties agree that legal custody of the child(ren) shall be:

Joint legal custody: Both parents shall share the duties and responsibilities of legal custody and shall confer in good faith and cooperate in making major decisions affecting the child(ren).

Sole legal custody to: — the custodial parent shall have final decision-making authority on major decisions, subject to the notice and consultation provisions of this Agreement.

4. DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

When joint legal custody is selected, the parties shall consult and attempt to reach unanimous agreement on major decisions. If the parties are unable to reach agreement within a reasonable time, the dispute resolution provisions in Section 9 shall apply. For routine, day-to-day matters, the parent with physical custody at the time may make decisions consistent with the child's best interests.

5. PHYSICAL CUSTODY AND PARENTING TIME

Primary residence of the child(ren):

6. HOLIDAYS, VACATIONS AND SPECIAL DAYS

7. EDUCATION, MEDICAL CARE AND RECORDS

Each parent shall have access to the child(ren)'s educational, medical and related records unless a court of competent jurisdiction orders otherwise. The parent exercising decision-making authority shall promptly inform the other parent of significant developments, including diagnoses, hospitalizations, or changes in school placement.

8. EMERGENCY DECISIONS

In the event of a medical emergency, the parent with physical custody shall take immediate action to ensure the child(ren)'s safety, including consent to emergency medical treatment. The acting parent shall notify the other parent as soon as practicable and provide details of the emergency, treatment provided, and facility where the child(ren) is/are located.

9. RELOCATION

Neither parent shall relocate the child(ren) to a residence outside the geographic area within unless the relocating parent provides written notice to the other parent at least days prior to relocation and complies with applicable court procedures for approval. If relocation is proposed, the parties shall attempt mediation before seeking court intervention.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The parties agree that, except for matters requiring emergency judicial relief, disputes arising under this Agreement shall first be submitted to mediation with a neutral mediator experienced in family law. If mediation fails, either party may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for relief.

11. MODIFICATION

This Agreement may be modified only by a written instrument signed by both parties or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction upon a finding of changed circumstances affecting the best interests of the child(ren).

12. CHILD SUPPORT AND EXPENSES

The parties acknowledge that child support, if required, is governed by applicable law or a separate support order. The parties shall share reasonable uninsured medical expenses, educational expenses and extracurricular fees as follows: Parent 1 contribution , Parent 2 contribution . Such shared expenses shall be documented and reimbursed within days of receipt.

13. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the other party at the address provided below by hand, certified mail, or other method that provides proof of delivery.

14. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state selected by the parties at the time of filing or as otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral. If any provision of this Agreement is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15. WAIVER; AMENDMENT; COUNTERPARTS

No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by both parties. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

16. ATTESTATION

Each parent affirms that they have read and understand the terms of this Agreement, that the terms are entered into voluntarily, and that the arrangement set forth is in the best interests of the child(ren) named herein.

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