If you’re going through a divorce or separation, you can avoid formal custody proceedings if you and your ex are able to come up with an agreement for caring for your children. Each state has laws pertaining to custody and child support. If you can reach an amicable agreement, the courts may approve your agreement without additional court proceedings. If you’re a Nebraska resident, here are some things you should know about your child custody agreement.
The components of your agreement
A parenting plan and child custody agreement are very similar. You should make it clear in your agreement which types of custody each parent has agreed to. Joint custody means that both parents have equal responsibility to care for the child while sole custody means that one parent is primarily responsible for the child.
Your custody agreement should also clearly outline the time schedule for both parents as well as visitation regulations for holidays and weekends. It is also important to include pick-up and drop-off times and locations in the agreement.
Be specific
Important child custody decisions pertaining to education, sports, creative activities and religion, should be settled between you and your ex before preparing the custody agreement. Be sure to include a clause that will explain how either parent can make amendments to the agreement if necessary.
Be as detailed as possible when drafting the agreement. This helps to protect both parents and the children. For instance, outline which days each parent will have the child, the child’s school schedule and vacation time that one or both parents receive from their jobs. If a parent has to switch days, include rules for notifying the other parent. For example, the parent who needs to schedule the change should inform the other parent no less than 24 hours in advance. Considering these issues will help parents craft an agreement that works for the whole family.
