Can this form be signed electronically?

Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where adopted, but family law decrees and court filings can be treated as exceptions in some jurisdictions. Verify local court rules; if the court requires wet ink or notarization, obtain a physical signature.

Does a judge have to adopt the form to make it enforceable?

Yes. The form becomes an enforceable court order only when a judge signs and the clerk files it. Until entry, the form is a proposed agreement or exhibit, not a standalone enforceable order.

What if the other parent refuses to sign?

If signatures cannot be secured, file the proposal with the court and request a hearing. The judge may enter a parenting time order after considering evidence and the child’s best interests.

How do I change the schedule later?

File a motion to modify parenting time and show a substantial change in circumstances. Follow local notice and service rules; courts often require mediation before modification in many jurisdictions.

Is notarization always required?

Notarization depends on state and whether the court demands an affidavit or self-proving signature. Check the local clerk’s instructions; Remote Online Notarization (RON) is permitted in many states with identity proofing and recording requirements.

What records should I keep after filing?

Keep the filed stamped order, proof of service, and any related communications. Retain these for years (see retention guidance); they are essential for enforcement or future petitions.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Legal
Parenting Time Order Form

Parenting Time Order Form

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

PARENTING TIME ORDER FORM

This Parenting Time Order is entered into by and between Parent Name: (hereinafter "Parent 1") and Parent Name: (hereinafter "Parent 2"). The minor child(ren) subject to this Order: . Case Number (if applicable): .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the parties are the parents of the minor child(ren) identified above and seek a written order providing a clear parenting time schedule and related conditions; and

WHEREAS, the parties acknowledge that regular and stable contact with both parents is generally in the best interests of the minor child(ren), subject to the safety considerations and limitations set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth their agreement and the Court intends to incorporate the terms below as an enforceable Order when entered.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, and intending to be legally bound, the parties agree and the Court ORDERS as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Order, "parenting time" means the time a parent spends with the child(ren) under the terms of this Order. "Residential parent" shall refer to the parent with whom the child(ren) primarily reside during school days as set forth in this Order unless otherwise specified.

2. PARENTING TIME SCHEDULE

A. Regular Weekly Schedule

Parent 1 shall have parenting time as follows: Beginning on , every from to . If a holiday or school break conflicts with regular parenting time, the holiday provisions below control.

Parent 2 shall have parenting time as follows: Beginning on , every from to .

B. Holiday and Special Day Schedule

The parties agree to the following allocation of major holidays and school breaks. In the event of conflict with regular schedule, the following shall control unless otherwise ordered:

Holiday Schedule (describe allocation by holiday):

3. DECISION‑MAKING AUTHORITY

The parties select the following legal decision-making arrangement for major decisions concerning the child(ren) (select one):

Joint legal custody: both parents shall consult and share decision-making authority on major issues including education, medical care, and religion; major disagreements shall be resolved as set forth in Section 12.

Sole legal custody to Parent 1: Parent 1 shall have final decision-making authority for major decisions; Parent 2 shall be consulted and informed.

Sole legal custody to Parent 2: Parent 2 shall have final decision-making authority for major decisions; Parent 1 shall be consulted and informed.

4. TRANSPORTATION / EXCHANGES

Primary exchange location: Transportation responsibilities:

5. COMMUNICATIONS

Each parent shall provide timely notice of changes to address and telephone number. Non-custodial parenting time shall include reasonable telephone or electronic contact with the child(ren) at mutually convenient times.

Parent 1 contact information: Parent 2 contact information:

6. MEDICAL CARE AND EMERGENCIES

Each parent shall provide current medical information to the other. In the event of an emergency requiring immediate medical treatment, the parent with the child shall seek appropriate medical care and shall notify the other parent as soon as practicable. The parent authorizing routine medical treatment during their parenting time: .

Medical consent and limitations (if any):

7. SCHOOL, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, AND RECORDS

The parties shall keep each other reasonably informed of school schedules, extracurricular activities, and significant school events. Access to educational records shall be provided upon written request consistent with applicable law.

8. SUPERVISION

Supervised parenting time required: Yes No. If supervised, the supervisor shall be: and supervision conditions: .

9. MODIFICATION / REVIEW

This Order may be modified upon agreement of the parties in writing or by further order of the Court upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances affecting the best interests of the child(ren). Temporary modifications for short-term changes (illness, travel, etc.) may be made by mutual written agreement, which shall be provided to the other party.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Prior to filing motions in Court, the parties shall attempt to resolve disputes through good faith negotiation and may participate in mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful or inappropriate, either party may seek relief from the Court.

11. ENFORCEMENT

Failure to comply with this Order may result in contempt proceedings, modification of parenting time, or other relief the Court deems appropriate. Remedies are cumulative and the prevailing party may seek attorney's fees and costs where authorized by law.

12. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Order shall be in writing and delivered in person or by other verifiable means to the addresses below.

Notice address for Parent 1: Notice address for Parent 2:

13. GOVERNING LAW

This Order shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Court issuing the Order is located.

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This document constitutes the entire Parenting Time Order between the parties relating to parenting time and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER

No amendment to this Order shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by both parties or reduced to a subsequent Court Order. Failure to insist upon strict performance of any term shall not be deemed a waiver of the right to enforce that term in the future.

16. COUNTERPARTS

This Order may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Facsimile or electronically transmitted signatures shall be deemed original for purposes of enforcement.

17. ADDITIONAL TERMS

Additional terms agreed by the parties (if any):

Parent 1:

By:

Date:

Parent 2:

By:

Date:

What the Parenting Time Order Form Is

A Parenting Time Order Form is a formal family-court document that sets a parenting time (visitation) schedule, exchange logistics, and related routines for a child or children. It identifies the parties, lists specific dates and times for regular and holiday parenting time, and often includes transportation, communication, and decision-making guidance. Courts adopt the form as part of a final or temporary order when it meets statutory standards. Properly completed and entered by a judge, the form becomes an enforceable court order subject to modification under family law rules.

Why a Clear Parenting Time Order Matters

A written, court-recognized schedule reduces conflict by clarifying when each parent has parenting time and how exchanges occur. It supports consistent routines for children and provides a documented basis for enforcement or future modification if circumstances change.

Who Typically Prepares and Uses This Form

The Parenting Time Order Form is used by parents, family law attorneys, mediators, and the court to document parenting schedules and logistics before entry as an order.

Parent — primary caregiver: Proposes daily schedules, pickup/drop-off points, and emergency contact procedures for the child.
Parent — noncustodial caregiver: Confirms visitation availability, transportation preferences, and holiday sharing arrangements for enforcement clarity.
Attorney / mediator: Drafts precise language, ensures statutory compliance, and submits the form for court review or inclusion in a parenting plan.

Clear roles reduce later disputes and speed judicial review when the form is submitted to the court or used in mediation.

Core Sections Found in a Professional Parenting Time Order Form

A robust form groups information so that judges and parties can read schedules at a glance and enforce provisions without ambiguity.

Case Caption

Court name, case number, and party names are listed exactly as on pleadings so the order ties to the correct docket and becomes enforceable when entered.

Child Details

Full names, birthdates, and identifying information for each child covered by the order, used to avoid ambiguity about which children the schedule governs.

Regular Schedule

Weekly parenting time grid with start/end times, overnight provisions, weekday vs. weekend rules, and alternate-week patterns where applicable.

Holiday & Special Days

Detailed rotation for holidays, school breaks, birthdays, and special events so parties know how unusual dates are divided and whether exchanges override regular time.

Exchange Logistics

Pickup and drop-off locations, transportation responsibilities, required notices for delays, and recommended neutral locations for high-conflict situations.

Enforcement & Modifications

Procedures for late pickup, willful denial, requests to modify parenting time, and the court’s preferred notice and filing method for enforcement motions.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Parenting Time Order

Follow this concise sequence to prepare, review, and submit the form so it can be entered as a court order.

01

Draft the Form: Complete all fields with precise dates, times, and contact details.
02

Review With Other Party: Share the draft and resolve conflicts before filing to reduce contested hearings.
03

File with Court: Submit the form per local court rules and request entry as a temporary or final order.
04

Serve the Order: Provide the opposing party with a filed/stamped copy following service rules for your jurisdiction.

Configuring an Online Workflow for this Form

When completing the form digitally, set the workflow to match court and notarization needs so the record meets local filing standards.

Field	Configuration
Signer Authentication	Email or SMS code for identity verification
Signature Type	Allow electronic and wet-ink signatures
Notary Requirement	Mark fields as 'Notary block' where state rules require notarization
Document Retention	Export final PDF/A and retain per court or counsel guidance

Typical Digital Submission Flow

This high-level flow shows common steps when preparing and delivering the form electronically or in paper.

Upload Document: Add the completed form to the filing system or e-sign platform.
Place Fields: Position signature, date, and notary blocks correctly.
Invite Signers: Send secure signing links or collect in-person signatures.
Finalize & File: Export the completed PDF and file with the court per local procedure.

Sharing and Technical Considerations

Choose a platform and file format that the court accepts and that preserves auditability.

Integrations: Salesforce, Microsoft 365, NetSuite integrations available
File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and PDF/A supported
Authentication: Email links, SMS codes, or advanced auth

Timing Considerations and Typical Deadlines

Deadlines vary by court and case type; act promptly to preserve remedies and ensure timely hearings or temporary orders.

Immediate Filing:

File as soon as parties agree or a petition is filed to have the schedule considered.

Temporary Orders Hearing:

Courts often set a hearing within weeks for temporary parenting time arrangements.

Final Order Entry:

Timing depends on contested evidence and court backlog; plan for multiple months in contested matters.

Emergency Motions:

File immediately for urgent safety or welfare concerns — courts treat these with priority.

Modification Requests:

File a motion to modify when substantial change in circumstances occurs; local notice rules apply.

Key Milestones from Draft to Enforceable Order

A typical lifecycle moves from drafting to court entry and then to enforcement or modification if needed.

01

Draft & Agreement

Parties finalize the schedule and confirm logistics before filing with the court.

02

File & Request Hearing

Submit the form and request a temporary or final hearing under local rules.

03

Court Review & Entry

A judge reviews terms; if approved, the order is signed and entered on the docket.

04

Enforcement / Modification

Use contempt motions or modification petitions if compliance or circumstances change.

Penalties and Risks of an Incorrect or Incomplete Form

Contempt Proceedings: Court may impose sanctions for willful noncompliance

Enforcement Delay: Errors can delay relief and enforcement motions

Modification Denial: Incomplete facts may prevent a modification

Child Safety Risk: Ambiguous terms can create custody or safety issues

Service Defects: Improper service can invalidate proceedings

Jurisdictional Conflict: Incorrect venue can preclude enforcement

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving time ranges vague (for example, 'evenings') rather than specifying exact start and end times leads to disputes and inconsistent enforcement.
Failing to include clear pickup and drop-off locations or adding conflicting instructions that create logistical confusion on exchange days.
Omitting child-specific details such as birthdates or legal names when multiple children are referenced can cause docketing or enforcement errors.
Using conditional language for holidays (e.g., 'if available') without fallback rules creates recurring disagreements that require court clarification.

Supporting Documents and Attachments Typically Included

Attach documents that establish context, identity, and the court’s ability to enter or enforce the order.

Parenting Plan

A detailed parenting plan describes routines, decision-making responsibilities, and communication rules; courts often incorporate the plan into the order for clarity and enforceability.

School / Medical Records

Recent school enrollment and medical records help verify practical details such as school schedules and custodial responsibilities when the court evaluates logistics.

Court Filings

Petitions, temporary orders, or previous custody decrees must be attached so the new form aligns with existing court orders and jurisdictional findings.

Proof of Service

Certified mail receipts or affidavits of service demonstrate that the other party received notice, which many courts require before considering the form.

Notarization and Witness Workflow for Signatures

Where notarization or witnesses are required, follow this sequence to create a valid acknowledgment and preserve proof of execution.

01

Prepare Signature Blocks

Add clear signature, date, and notary sections before signing.

02

Signer Identity Check

Provide ID to the notary or follow the platform’s authentication steps.

03

Witness Presence

If a state requires witnesses, ensure they are present and sign in the witness field.

04

Notary Acknowledgment

The notary completes the acknowledgment or jurat as required by state law.

05

Audio/Video for RON

Use audio-video recording when performing Remote Online Notarization where allowed.

06

File Notarized Copy

Scan or obtain a stamped copy to include with court filings.

07

Serve Other Party

Provide the opposing party with the filed/stamped document per service rules.

08

Retain Notary Journal

Ensure notarization records are kept for the retention period required by the notary law.

Who Signs and Why

Parent — Petitioner

The petitioner signs to confirm the proposed schedule and contact information. Signing demonstrates intent and consent to the terms, and the court uses the signature as evidence of the party’s position during hearings or as a basis for entry of temporary orders.

Attorney — Family Lawyer

A representing attorney signs to confirm accurate drafting and procedural compliance. The attorney’s signature often indicates the form was prepared in consultation and may speed court acceptance when local rules require counsel verification.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Parenting Time Order Form

Answers to common questions about electronic signing, filing, modification, and enforcement of parenting time orders.

Need help? Contact support

Can this form be signed electronically?
Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where adopted, but family law decrees and court filings can be treated as exceptions in some jurisdictions. Verify local court rules; if the court requires wet ink or notarization, obtain a physical signature.
Does a judge have to adopt the form to make it enforceable?
Yes. The form becomes an enforceable court order only when a judge signs and the clerk files it. Until entry, the form is a proposed agreement or exhibit, not a standalone enforceable order.
What if the other parent refuses to sign?
If signatures cannot be secured, file the proposal with the court and request a hearing. The judge may enter a parenting time order after considering evidence and the child’s best interests.
How do I change the schedule later?
File a motion to modify parenting time and show a substantial change in circumstances. Follow local notice and service rules; courts often require mediation before modification in many jurisdictions.
Is notarization always required?
Notarization depends on state and whether the court demands an affidavit or self-proving signature. Check the local clerk’s instructions; Remote Online Notarization (RON) is permitted in many states with identity proofing and recording requirements.
What records should I keep after filing?
Keep the filed stamped order, proof of service, and any related communications. Retain these for years (see retention guidance); they are essential for enforcement or future petitions.

Typical eSignature Vendor Pricing and Feature Comparison

Cost and capability choices affect how you prepare, sign, and retain Parenting Time Order Forms electronically; signNow appears first for comparison.

	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	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes (Business Premium)	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 by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

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