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Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement

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JOINT CUSTODY PLAN

: ____ JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

VS : , LOUISIANA

: DOCKET NO.

The Court approves and shall incorporate into Judgment the following plan of joint custody for the minor children, and :

A. PHYSICAL CUSTODY

The legal domicile shall be at the residence of the mother, , who is designated the domiciliary parent, whose present residence is .

The father, , shall enjoy visitation with the minor children as follows, to-wit:

(1) Every other weekend beginning , from 6:00 P.M. on Friday through and including 6:00 P.M. on Sunday.

(2) Alternating the holidays of New Year, Mardi Gras, July 4, and Labor Day, being from 9:00 A.M. through and including 7:00 P.M. on the day of said holiday itself, commencing , when said children shall be with their father, , and on an alternating basis thereafter;

(3) Alternating the major holidays of Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, commencing Thanksgiving , when said children shall be with their father, , for said alternating holidays, the visitation shall commence at 4:00 P.M. on the eve of said holiday and end at 2:00 P.M. on the day of the holiday itself. When the children are to be with their mother, , for said holidays, the children shall visit with their father, , from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on the day of the holiday itself.

(4) shall enjoy custody for Father's Day and shall enjoy custody for Mother's Day, which custody period rights to each of the parties shall override any other scheduled custody period, beginning at 9:00 A.M. through and including 5:00 P.M.

(5) The birthdays of the children shall be shared as follows, to-wit:

a. If a child's birthday falls on a weekday (Monday-Friday), shall have the children visit with him from 5:00 P.M. through and including 8:00 P.M. on that particular day.

b. If any child's birthday falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), shall have the children from 2:00 P.M. through and including 5:00 P.M. on said birthday, if said weekend happens to be one when the children are with their mother, and if any such birthday falls on a weekend when the children are scheduled to be with their father, shall have said children from 2:00 P.M. through and including 5:00 P.M. on said birthday.

c. In the sharing of the children's respective birthdays, both children shall participate in the same regardless of which particular child's birthday is being celebrated.

(6) shall also have extended visitation with the children during the summer months corresponding to his vacation schedule as established by . This extended summer visitation shall commence at 9:00 A.M. on the first day of said vacation and end at 5:00 P.M. on the last day thereof. This extended summer visitation shall not exceed two weeks per month of the summer vacation. (No weekend visitation shall be exercised during this period). The hereinabove-specified holiday visitation time shall take precedence over weekend visitation time.

There shall be a mutual agreement by both parents that no person of the opposite sex not related by blood or marriage shall be permitted to stay overnight when the children are present.

Both parties shall keep the other informed of telephone numbers and addresses of both residence and employment where each may be contacted, as the parties recognize this to be fair and in the best interests of the minor children.

Except as provided herein, the children shall be subject to rules and regulations as agreed upon by the parents. In cases of dispute, the domiciliary parent shall prevail.

shall enjoy unlimited, unrestricted and unmonitored communication by mail and by telephone with the minor children, and , and further, that shall enjoy similar unlimited communication by mail and by telephone when the minor children, and , are in the custody of their father. Neither party may intervene or listen in on any communication by a parent and the children.

Both parents shall have the right to communicate with other individuals who are connected with the medical treatment or school activity of the minor children, and .

Both parents are to communicate freely with each other as to the custody, visitation and/or any other matters affecting the welfare and well being of the minor children, and .

The parents shall discuss the minor children's school, school related activities, and the minor children's medical treatment with each other and if there is an honest effort of discussion and the parents still cannot agree, then, and only then, shall the mother, , as the domiciliary parent, make the final decision.

All information regarding school, report cards, conferences, trips, functions, meetings, etc. will be furnished to the other parent as either one of them receive such information. All medical and other information regarding the children's health and welfare will be furnished to the other parent as either parent receives same.

The above types of information must be exchanged by the parents and discussed accordingly. The parents shall not communicate through the children or third parties, or use the children because they refuse to communicate.

Each parent must not ignore the authority and input of the other by the failure to communicate or use the children to inform each other of decisions on important matters.

Each parent is to maintain sufficient flexibility to allow for variations made necessary by the ebb and flow of social, educational and recreational life.

Each parent shall transfer to the other sufficient wardrobe for the children considering the season.

B. CHANGE OF RESIDENCE OF PARENT

may remove residence from the State of Louisiana, and may remove residence from the State of Louisiana. Before or within 10 days after such removal, the parent changing residence shall request a modification of this plan from the remaining parent. If agreement is reached, a joint motion for modification may be submitted to the Court. If no agreement is reached, the party changing residence shall request modification from the Court.

The residence of the children shall not be permanently removed at any time from the State of Louisiana without an appropriate order of this Court.

is to inform of the city in which he intends to exercise his custody period with the minor children, and , and shall provide to her a telephone number of the residence where he may be reached in case of emergencies. As noted above, each party shall keep the other informed of telephone numbers and addresses with respect to both home residence and work.

C. REMARRIAGE

Upon remarriage, either party may seek a modification as provided in Paragraph G below.

D. CHILD SUPPORT

shall pay unto the sum of and /100 ($) Dollars per month for support of the minor children, and . The child support shall be due and payable on the 1st and 15th day of each month, beginning the day of , 20___, and continuing for each month thereafter, as well as maintain medical insurance and be responsible for one-half (1/2) of all uncovered medical expenses.

The parties will each obtain a tax exemption for Federal and State tax purposes each year for the minor children. Each party shall execute the appropriate documents necessary for this exemption.

E. EDUCATION

At this time the minor child, is attending School, and the minor child, , is attending School. Any future plans, such as the children attending public or private school or other schools, will be discussed by the parents. Each will provide the other with all necessary information. Each parent will make all efforts to inform himself or herself and the other parent about prospective schools. If the two parties cannot agree on another school, the domiciliary parent shall make the final decision.

F. TRANSPORTATION

Each parent is responsible for transportation of the children while in residence.

G. PLAN MODIFICATION

Each party may seek judicial modification of this plan. The parties shall furnish the court any modified plan by joint motion. The Joint Motion shall be effective after court approval.

H. MEDICAL AND DENTAL

Except in emergencies, domiciliary parent is responsible for all medical, psychiatric and dental treatment final decisions.

Cosmetic surgery or cosmetic dental treatment unnecessary to the integrity of the dental structure, shall not be undertaken without the permission of both parents. Substance abuse treatment is deemed medical treatment.

I. COMMUNICATION BY CHILD

The children shall have complete, full and free access to communication with each parent. No communication shall be intercepted, censored, or monitored.

J. TUTORSHIP

The parent shall enjoy the natural co-tutorship of the children in accordance with Articles 250 and 258 of the Louisiana Civil Code, except as limited herein.

K. PROPERTY OF THE CHILD

The parents shall have administration of the property of the children provided by Article 4262 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure.

L. ACUTE ILLNESS

In the event of serious acute illness, each parent shall afford reasonable visitation to the other upon request.

Order rendered in Chambers this day of , 20___, at , Louisiana.

__________________________

J U D G E

________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

Attorney for

________________________________

Attorney for

Enter text✕

What a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement Is

A Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement is a written contract between parents that allocates parental responsibilities and decision-making for a child under Louisiana law. The agreement typically sets out custody sharing (physical and legal custody), parenting time schedules, decision-making authority, holiday and school arrangements, and dispute-resolution procedures. Parents use it to document agreed terms and to present to family court for approval during separation, divorce, or independent custody actions. When signed by both parents and incorporated into a court order, the agreement helps create enforceable rights and obligations regarding the child's care and welfare.

Why a Written Joint Custody Plan Matters

Using a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement allows parents to set clear parenting schedules, specify decision-making responsibilities, and reduce courtroom disputes. A mutually agreed plan can be submitted to a family court for incorporation into a judgment, increasing enforceability and predictability for the child's routine and welfare.

Why a Written Joint Custody Plan Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Uses This Agreement

Parents, family law attorneys, and mediators commonly draft or use this agreement when parents seek structured custody arrangements outside or within litigation.

  • Separating parents negotiating parenting time, decision-making, and expense-sharing without full litigation.
  • Attorneys preparing court-submittable agreements for uncontested custody or incorporation into divorce decrees.
  • Mediators and therapists assisting families to formalize parenting plans and reduce disputes.

Courts may review and adopt these agreements if consistent with the child's best interests under Louisiana Children's Code and applicable case law.

Core Sections to Include for a Complete Agreement

Key sections that make a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement complete, enforceable, and practical for day-to-day parenting and potential court review.

Parties

Identify each parent by full legal name, contact information, relationship to child, and parental status. Include addresses and preferred methods for official notices and emergency contact details.

Custody Allocation

Define legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (primary residence and parenting time division), including percentages or shared decision protocols and specifics on major decisions like education and healthcare.

Parenting Schedule

Provide detailed recurring schedules for weekdays, weekends, holidays, summer break, vacations, and special occasions, and include specific exchange times, locations, and transportation responsibilities.

Financial Responsibilities

State child support arrangements, division of extraordinary expenses, healthcare cost-sharing, and how insurance and tax exemptions will be allocated between parents.

Communication

Establish channels for joint decision-making, notification timelines for changes, rules for electronic communication, and expectations regarding introduction of new partners.

Modifications

Agree on methods to modify the plan (written amendment, mediation, or court) and set stepwise dispute-resolution procedures, including timelines for mediation and arbitration if used.

Step-by-Step: From Draft to Filed Order

Follow these steps to prepare, sign, and, if needed, file a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement with the family court.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect IDs, child's birth certificate, and any prior custody orders.
  • 02
    Draft Terms: Outline custody type, schedule, decision-making, expenses.
  • 03
    Review with Counsel: Have an attorney or mediator review for legality.
  • 04
    Sign & File: Both parents sign; file or submit to court if seeking order.

Typical Routing and Use

Typical routing when completing and using a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement, from draft to possible court incorporation and enforcement.

  • Draft: Create detailed terms and parenting schedules.
  • Negotiate: Parents, attorneys, or mediator agree on language.
  • Sign: Both parents sign; consider notarization.
  • File: File with family court to seek incorporation.

Digital Workflow Settings for eSigning

Configure a digital workflow to collect signatures, attach exhibits, and route a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement for review and filing.

Field Configuration
Authentication Method Use email link, optional SMS code, or KBA.
Signature Order Set sequential or parallel signer order.
Required Documents Attach birth certificate and prior orders.
Notification Settings Enable signer reminders and completion notices.

Technical and File Requirements for Electronic Submission

Digital requirements and integrations for e-signing and sharing a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement across systems and court e-filing portals.

  • File Formats: PDF/X, DOCX acceptable for upload.
  • Integrations: Connect to Google Workspace and NetSuite.
  • Browser Support: Modern browsers with TLS 1.2+ required.

Security, Legal Validity, and Compliance Notes

ESIGN/UETA: Meets ESIGN and UETA standards
Record Retention: Retain reproducible records for enforceability
Notarization: Notary increases evidentiary weight in court
Authentication: Use ID, email, SMS, or KBA
HIPAA Note: Attach BAA for health-related records
Encryption: Secure storage with AES-256 encryption

Timing and Filing Considerations

Key timing considerations when preparing and submitting a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement, focusing on filing and modification deadlines and typical court timelines.

Initial Filing for Court Review:

File any agreement with petition or as proposed order

Effective Date vs Filing Date:

Effective date may precede filing if agreed

Temporary Orders and Hearings:

Temporary orders can be requested during pendency

Modification Petition Timeline:

File modification petition when material change occurs

Emergency Relief:

Immediate motions available for safety concerns

Milestone Sequence from Agreement to Enforcement

Typical milestones track negotiation, signing, optional court filing, and later modification or enforcement steps for a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement.

01

Negotiation

Agree on terms with or without counsel

02

Signing & Notarization

Both parents sign; notarize if possible

03

Court Submission

Submit agreement to family court for approval

04

Enforcement or Modification

Enforce via contempt or petition to modify

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Using vague language for decision-making authority (for example, 'consult each other') that leaves disputes unresolved and allows courts to reinterpret intent.
  • Failing to include detailed holiday and school-break schedules, which creates recurring conflict and increases the likelihood of emergency motions to clarify parenting time.
  • Mismatching parent names or using nicknames on official sections, causing verification issues and possible rejection by clerks or courts during filing.
  • Omitting dispute-resolution steps or timelines for mediation, resulting in immediate court filings and added legal costs instead of structured resolution.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Agreement

Noncompliance: May result in contempt sanctions
Ambiguous Terms: Court may rewrite or reject
Unsigned Agreement: Not enforceable as agreement
Incorrect Child ID: Leads to enforcement confusion
Late Filing: Delays court incorporation
False Statements: Risk of perjury charges

E‑Signature Pricing and Feature Snapshot for Custody Documents

Compare eSignature pricing and core features relevant to executing a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement; signNow appears first in the table.

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 free trial, no credit card required No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Practical Examples of Agreement Use

Real-world examples showing how parents and practitioners use a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement to resolve schedules and court processes.

Mediated Parenting Plan

A mediated agreement where both parents agreed to shared physical custody and a detailed holiday schedule to reduce conflicts.

  • Mediation session produced a signed parenting plan.
  • The agreement was filed with the family court and accepted as part of the divorce decree, providing enforceability; later, clear schedules minimized emergency motions and simplified school enrollment and medical consent processes.

Attorney‑Prepared Court Order

An attorney drafted an agreement with explicit decision-making clauses and expense allocation for medical costs.

  • Attorney review ensured court-ready language.
  • After filing, the court incorporated the document into the final judgment, enabling enforcement through standard contempt procedures when breaches occurred.

Practical Tips to Improve Enforceability and Clarity

Practical tips to improve clarity, enforceability, and longevity of a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement.

Use precise language and schedules
Draft exact times, locations, and transportation plans rather than general phrases. Precision reduces disputes and makes enforcement or modification easier for courts.
Include dispute resolution steps
Specify mediation timelines and procedures before litigation, including selection of mediator and deadlines for initiating alternative dispute resolution to limit immediate court filings.
Document decision‑making allocations
Clearly state who makes major decisions (education, medical, extracurriculars) and describe the process for joint decisions, tie-breaking methods, and notification obligations for emergencies.
Have counsel or mediator review
A legal review helps align the agreement with local practice and court requirements, reducing the risk of rejection and preserving parental intentions in an enforceable form.

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Answers to common questions and troubleshooting tips for preparing, signing, and filing a Louisiana Joint Custody Agreement.


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