Guidelines for Making a Custody Schedule for a Child Custody Agreement - By: Rose Marchland

If you ask divorced and separated parents what the most important part of the custody agreement is, many will say that it is the child custody schedule. This is because the custody schedule lays out the time that the child spends with each parent. Of course, the mother and father both have a vested interest in how the schedule turns out, because it determines how much they will see the child. Here are some guidelines to help parents make the best schedule for their agreement.

To begin with, the parents need to decide what type of custody schedule they want. Basically, the parents can choose to have a joint or a sole custody schedule. In a joint custody schedule the parents both spend significant time with the children. They both agree that the mother and father will be substantially involved in raising the children, and the schedule reflects that. In a sole custody schedule, the children live primarily with one parent and visit the other parent.

This can be a difficult decision to make. As the parents are deciding between joint and sole custody, they need to check the laws in their state. Many states now have laws that specify that joint custody is best for the child, unless a parent proves otherwise. When this is a law, if a parent wants sole custody he/she must show the court that sole custody is in the child's best interest.

Generally, it is best for the children to have both parents involved. This means that usually a joint custody schedule is best. To make the decision, the mother and father should really think about the needs of the child. Then they should make a schedule that meets those needs.

It is important to note that courts will not accept custody agreements that are not in the child's best interest. This applies to the schedule. If either parent shows the court a schedule that completely excludes the parent, the court will not accept it (unless there is a history of abuse and violence). The court generally assumes that some contact with both parents is necessary for the child.

A complete custody schedule will include a repeating cycle of custody, a holiday schedule, vacation time, and special events. When making these, the parents need to really think about what would benefit the child. It is essential that the mother and father put aside what they want so they can do what is right for the whole situation.

It is best if the mother and father can work together on the schedule. When this happens, the parents simply submit the custody agreement to the court to have it approved. However, not all parents are able to cooperate. If the mother and father cannot agree on the schedule, they will need to go to court and let the judge decide.

In court, each parent will have the opportunity to present a schedule to the judge. The judge can accept either parents' proposed schedule or make an entire new one. Once the judge determines the schedule, the parents must follow it or they will face consequences from the law.

About the Author

Custody X Change is custody software that lets parents create great custody schedules. Join the other parents who have discovered that Custody X Change is the easiest way to make a custody agreement and child custody schedule.

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