A notarized custody agreement is a legal document that outlines the specific arrangements for the custody and parenting time of a child or children. It is typically used in situations where parents are not married or are going through a divorce.
To create a professional notarized custody agreement template, it is important to consider the following design elements:
FREE Parenting Plan & Custody Agreement Templates
Layout and Formatting
Use a clean and professional font: A font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri is a good choice.
Maintain consistent margins: Use margins that are not too wide or too narrow.
Use headings and subheadings: This will help to organize the document and make it easier to read.
Number the pages: This will help to keep track of the document.
Content
Identify the parties involved: Clearly state the names of the parents and the children.
Define the terms of custody: Specify whether the custody is sole or joint. If it is joint, outline the specific arrangements for physical and legal custody.
Establish parenting time: Clearly outline the schedule for parenting time, including holidays, birthdays, and vacations.
Address child support: If applicable, include information about child support payments.
Determine decision-making authority: Specify who will make decisions about the child’s education, medical care, and extracurricular activities.
Include provisions for relocation: If there is a possibility of one parent relocating, address this in the agreement.
Specify communication procedures: Outline how the parents will communicate with each other regarding the child.
Include a mediation clause: This can help to resolve disputes without going to court.
Specify the jurisdiction: Indicate the state or country where the agreement will be enforced.
Language and Tone
Use clear and concise language: Avoid legal jargon that may be difficult to understand.
Use a neutral tone: The agreement should be objective and avoid accusatory language.
Be specific: Avoid vague or ambiguous language.
Design Elements
Use a professional header and footer: The header should include the names of the parties and the date. The footer should include the page number.
Use a clear and concise title: The title should accurately reflect the purpose of the document.
Use bold and italics to highlight key information: This will make the document easier to read and understand.
Use white space effectively: This will make the document look more visually appealing and easier to read.
Notarization
Ensure the document is notarized: This will make the agreement legally binding. The notary will verify the identity of the parties and ensure that they are signing the document voluntarily.
By following these guidelines, you can create a professional notarized custody agreement template that is both informative and legally sound.
