Hey there! 👋 Are you going through a custody battle? It’s never easy, but keep your head up - it’ll be worth it in the end. In this blog post, I’ll be outlining some common mistakes to avoid when creating a custody agreement. But first, let me introduce myself…

Meet Susie 👩‍👧

Hi there, my name is Susie and I’ve been through a custody battle myself. I’m here to share my experiences with you and give you the best advice I can. It’s important to remember that every situation is different, but I hope these tips will help you avoid some common missteps along the way. Let’s get started! 🚀

1. Leaving out key information

When creating a custody agreement, it’s important to include all the relevant information. This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to miss some important details like pick-up and drop-off times, holidays, and extracurricular activities. Make sure to cover all your bases by thinking ahead and including everything you can think of.

A checklist with different categories, including "Childcare", "Holidays", "School", and "Activities", with boxes next to each item that can be checked off when included in the custody agreement.

2. Forgetting about the future

When creating a custody agreement, it’s easy to focus solely on the present and forget that circumstances may change down the line. Make sure to include provisions for future changes in situation or location. This can be done by including a clause that allows for modifications to the agreement, as long as both parties agree.

A picture of a road going off into the distance, with a signpost that says "Future Changes Ahead."

3. Not being specific enough

While it’s important to include all the relevant information, it’s equally important to be specific about what is included in the agreement. For instance, instead of saying “Parent A has custody on weekends,” it’s better to specify exactly which weekends are included. This helps to avoid confusion and potential conflicts in the future.

A magnifying glass zooming in on the phrase "Be Specific" in a custody agreement.

4. Ignoring the child’s best interests

When creating a custody agreement, it’s crucial to keep the child’s best interests in mind. This means putting aside any personal grievances or emotions and making decisions that are best for the child. Remember that the child’s environment, stability, and relationships are all important factors to consider.

A picture of a child holding a heart, with the words "The Child's Best Interest" written inside the heart.

5. Not involving the child

While custody agreements are primarily a legal matter between the adults involved, it’s important to involve the child in the decision-making process as much as possible. Depending on their age and maturity level, kids can have valuable input on where they want to live, what activities they want to participate in, and more.

A picture of a child with a thought bubble above their head that says "I want to help too!"

đź’ˇ Tips and Highlights

  • Try to approach the situation with a level head and keep the child’s interest at heart.
  • Consider hiring a mediator to help iron out the details and make the process smoother.
  • Remember that custody agreements can be modified in the future if circumstances change.

Thanks for reading my blog post! 💖 Remember to stay positive and strong throughout the custody process. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop them below. Good luck! 🍀

A mother and father holding hands with a child in between them, with a heart in the background.