Navigating Child Custody Agreements

navigating-child-custody-agreements

By Tiffany V.

Published on 07/26/2023

KEY TAKEAWAY

  • Child custody agreements define parental responsibilities and schedules post-separation
  • Notarizing an agreement adds credibility, helps resolve disputes, and facilitates recognition by institutions
  • NotaryLive, an online notary service, simplifies notarization through online remote notaries saving time and effort

 

 

If you're reading this, chances are you're navigating the complex world of child custody arrangements. If you're going through a divorce or want a co-parenting plan, it's important to understand child care arrangements. 

In this blog, we’ll cover what these agreements are, when you might need one, and how remote online notarization makes the process easier.

We'll also show you how NotaryLive can help you notarize your child custody documents hassle-free.

 

 

1. What Is A Child Custody Agreement?

A child custody agreement is a legal plan that explains each parent’s responsibilities after a separation or divorce. Always focusing on the best interest of the child.

This agreement matters because it helps parents work together and keeps life stable for the child.

The custody arrangement covers details like: 

  • Physical & Legal Custody: Determines where the child will live and which parent will gain legal custody of the child.
  • Visitation & Parenting Time: Outlines the schedule for parents who don't have legal custody to spend time with their children.
  • Decision-making Authority: Assigns responsibility to the parent who makes important life decisions for the child.
  • Child Support: Establishes financial responsibilities for the child.
  • Special Considerations: Addresses holiday schedule, education, healthcare, and other unique circumstances.

Think of child custody agreements as a roadmap for parents to follow in their child's best interest. 

 

 

2. Why Do You Need A Child Custody Agreement?

Each family is different, so the custody agreement should match what works best for the child and the parents. Effective co-parenting plans are flexible, realistic, and always prioritize the child. 

Below are the following reasons why split/divorced parents require a child custody agreement from a court order:

  1. Clarifying Parental Responsibilities: A custody agreement establishes each parent's rights, responsibilities, and expectations. It covers custody, visitation, parenting time schedules, child support, and more to make sure parents agree.
  2. Providing Stability & Structure: Custody agreements establish and outline parenting arrangements that include schedules, holidays, and other important matters to benefit children.
  3. Resolving Disputes: Custody agreements help resolve disputes without legal battles by serving as a reference point. They encourage communication and cooperation.

 

 

3. Why You Should Get Your Child Custody Agreement Notarized

You may need a notary public to do a notarial act for your child custody agreement. You may wonder why notarizing a child custody agreement is necessary. Well, here's why: 

  1. Enhanced Legitimacy: Notarization of a child custody agreement adds an extra layer of authenticity. It shows that both people signed the document in front of a notary, who checked their identities.
  2. Evidence in Future Proceedings: If parents disagree later, a notarized custody agreement is strong proof in court. It shows what both parents first agreed to.
  3. Recognition by Other Institutions: Schools and doctors may need a notarized custody agreement to see each parent’s role.

 

 

4. Notarize Your Child Custody Agreements With NotaryLive 

No longer do you need to search for "notary near me" or "notary services near me".

Where can I get something notarized, then?

Now, you can receive a digital notary seal/notary stamp from a notary public online. No more wet signatures, only digital notary public stamps and virtual signings. NotaryLive provides a convenient way to notarize child custody agreements through a remote notarization process. 

A remote online notary public connects you with a remote notary who checks your ID and watches you sign. No in-person meeting needed. Remote online notarization is a time-saving solution for notarizing child custody agreements. 

How NotaryLive Works in 4 simple steps: 

NotaryLive, an Online Notary Service

How NotaryLive Works

Connect with a remote online notary by clicking the button below:

Notarize Your Child's Custody Agreement Now!

 

Navigating child custody agreements is a complex but essential process for parents undergoing separation or divorce. A well-drafted and notarized custody agreement is pivotal in safeguarding the child's well-being. With the availability of remote online notarization like NotaryLive, the process becomes easier and less stressful than ever.

 

Temporary Guardianship Agreement Form

 

Does NotaryLive sound like the right fit for you and your business? 

Learn more about our NotaryLive Business Account Options.

For pricing info, click here to visit our Pricing page!

If you have any questions, contact our sales team, and we will be happy to help! 

 

About NotaryLive

NotaryLive is a leading provider of remote online notarization and eSign solutions. They enhance businesses through a secure, user-friendly platform that meets customer needs. No longer do you need to search for a "notary near me" or "notary services near me". By offering innovative tools for electronic signatures and online notarization, NotaryLive empowers professionals to manage documents and notarize documents online, anywhere, any time.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

What should be included in a child custody agreement? 

A child custody agreement should include the following: 

  • legal & physical custody
  • a visitation schedule
  • guidelines for responsibilities & decisions
  • co-parenting rules
  • method for making changes to the custody plan

 

How is physical custody divided into standard agreements? 

The parents share physical custody. The child spends every other weekend with the non-custodial parent, plus possibly one evening during the week. Both parents take turns splitting holidays.

What constitutes fair visitation schedules for each parent? 

Visitation schedules prioritize the child's needs and consider the schedule of both parents. This aims to provide the child with a stable and nurturing environment, balancing time. 

How much does a notary cost? 

Through NotaryLive, an online notary service, a notarial session costs $25 per session for individuals. For businesses seeking a Business Account for a larger number of notarizations, check out our Pricing Page.

What happens if I'm moving out of state with child and have no custody agreement?

  • If there is no custody agreement, moving out of state with a child can trigger legal disputes. Both parents generally have equal rights. The other parent may take court action to stop the move or demand the child’s return. It is highly advisable to seek court approval or legal advice first.

Can you have a child custody agreement without court?

  • Yes, parents can create an informal child custody agreement without going to court. However. these agreements are not legally enforceable unless they are approved by a judge

 

**Legal Disclaimer - We are not lawyers or attorneys and do not give any legal advice. Please check with your attorneys, advisors, or document recipients if you have any unanswered questions about your documents.

 

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Updated Date: 10/05/2025


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