The idea of dealing with the courts can be very intimidating.
This is even more true if you have a court telling you when you can or can't see your child.
Working out a child custody agreement plan for custody of children is not an easy thing, and it can be something a couple facing divorce may want to just avoid.
If the divorce has been amicable, it might even seem unnecessary.
However, it really is a good idea to protect yourself in this situation.
Down the line, one parent may want to move out of state or one parent may lose their job.
These events can create a strain on any custody arrangement, and if it has already been worked out and filed with the court, each party will know their rights much better.
When making a child custody agreement, many factors are taken into consideration that the parents might not see at the beginning of the process.
It doesn't have to be an ugly situation, especially if the parents agree on what the terms should be.
In fact, the court encourages the parents to work out an agreement between them and file it with the court.
Even child support, can be decided between the parents as long as it is what they want.
Support is usually based on a specific formula that takes income, expenses, the child's needs and the percentage of time the child spends with each parent.
If the parents make an agreement regarding that, the court will most likely accept it.
However, it is good to have these arrangements on file with the court.
It will prevent one person from just walking away from the agreement without consequence.
Visitation with the child can also be decided between the parents.
To protect both parents and the child, the court will want to assign legal custody to one parent or an equal amount between both.
Legal custody is the ability to make legal decisions for and about the child.
If both parents are involved with the child, and there is no question of fitness, this would most likely go to both parents.
Parents can even have a 50/50 split on physical custody, but often spending equal time with both is severely disruptive to the child's life and routine.
This is a good arrangement to work out with the court to avoid problems in the future.
If you are not assigned an equal split in a joint custody agreement, it does not mean that you cannot see your child as much as you and your ex-partner decide.
It simply means that with one person designated as the "primary caretaker" the child will know where home base is, so to speak.
This can also protect both parents and the child in case things become strained, one parent wishes to move out of state, or if other substantial changes occur.
Your divorce and the custody of children can be as peaceful and as amicable as you'd like them to be.
However, having your child custody agreement in writing with the court, spelled out, can only help in the long run.