Free Co Parent Agreement

This Co-Parenting Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into this [Effective Date] by and between [YOUR NAME] (hereafter referred to as “Party A”) and [PARENT'S NAME] (hereafter referred to as “Party B”) for the purpose of defining their respective rights, responsibilities, and obligations concerning their mutual child/children.

I. PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Legal Custody:

   Both parties shall share joint legal custody of the child/children, which includes the right and responsibility to make decisions regarding the child/children's health, education, and welfare.

2. Physical Custody:

   The parties shall share physical custody of the child/children according to the agreed-upon parenting schedule, attached as Schedule A.

3. Medical Decisions:

   Each party shall have the right to make emergency medical decisions for the child/children when they are in their care. For non-emergency medical decisions, both parties shall consult with each other and make joint decisions.

4. Education:

   Both parties shall have the right to be involved in all major decisions regarding the child/children's education, including but not limited to, school selection, extracurricular activities, and tutoring.

5. Religious Upbringing:

   Both parties shall have the right to expose the child/children to their respective religious beliefs and practices. In the event of a disagreement regarding religious upbringing, the parties shall attempt to reach a compromise in the best interests of the child/children.

6. Travel and Passports:

   Both parties shall have the right to travel with the child/children outside of the country. However, each party shall provide the other party with a detailed itinerary and contact information while the child/children are in their care.

7. Communication:

   Both parties shall have the right to communicate with the child/children via phone, email, or video chat during the other party's parenting time, provided that such communication does not interfere with the child/children's schedule.

8. Extracurricular Activities:

   Both parties shall have the right to enroll the child/children in extracurricular activities, and both parties shall share the costs associated with such activities.

9. Parenting Plan Modifications:

   If either party wishes to modify the parenting plan, they shall discuss the proposed modification with the other party in good faith. If an agreement cannot be reached, either party may seek mediation to resolve the dispute.

10. Dispute Resolution:

    In the event of a dispute regarding parental rights and responsibilities, both parties agree to seek mediation before pursuing any legal action. If mediation is unsuccessful, either party may seek legal redress through the appropriate court.

II. DAILY CARE AND CONTROL

1. Primary Residence:

   The child/children shall have a primary residence with [Party A/Party B]. The non-residential parent shall have visitation rights as outlined in the parenting schedule (Schedule A).

2. Parenting Schedule:

   The Parties shall adhere to a detailed parenting schedule (Schedule A), which shall include provisions for weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school breaks. The schedule shall specify drop-off and pick-up times, as well as the location for exchanges.

3. Transportation:

   Each Party shall be responsible for transporting the child/children during their respective parenting time, unless otherwise agreed upon. The Parties shall exchange the child/children's belongings, including clothing, toys, and other necessary items, at each exchange.

4. Communication during Parenting Time:

   The non-residential parent shall have the right to communicate with the child/children via phone, video chat, or email during their parenting time, at reasonable times and durations. Both Parties shall encourage and support the child/children's communication with the other parent.

5. Health and Safety:

   Each Party shall ensure that the child/children's health and safety are maintained during their parenting time. This includes providing a safe and clean environment, following any medical or dietary restrictions, and attending to any medical or emotional needs promptly.

6. Educational Support:

   Both Parties shall support the child/children's education by ensuring they attend school regularly, complete homework assignments, and participate in school activities. Both Parties shall also communicate with the child/children's school and teachers as necessary.

7. Discipline:

   Both Parties shall agree on discipline methods and shall apply them consistently. Discipline shall be age-appropriate and shall not include any form of physical punishment.

8. Extracurricular Activities:

   Both Parties shall support the child/children's participation in extracurricular activities and shall share the costs associated with such activities, including fees, equipment, and transportation.

9. Religious Observance:

   Both Parties shall respect each other's religious beliefs and practices and shall allow the child/children to participate in religious observances according to each parent's beliefs, unless it poses a risk to the child/children's health or safety.

10. Emergency Situations:

    In the event of an emergency during the non-residential parent's parenting time, the non-residential parent shall have the right to make decisions regarding the child/children's health and safety. The non-residential parent shall notify the residential parent as soon as possible and shall follow up with any necessary information or documentation.

11. Changes to Schedule:

    Any changes to the parenting schedule shall be communicated in advance and agreed upon by both Parties. If a change is necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, the Parties shall make every effort to notify each other as soon as possible.

12. Conflict Resolution:

    In the event of a disagreement regarding daily care and control, the Parties shall attempt to resolve the issue through open and respectful communication. If an agreement cannot be reached, either Party may seek mediation to resolve the dispute.

III. CALENDAR & HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

1. Regular Year Schedule:

   The Parties shall create a detailed calendar outlining the custody and visitation schedule for the regular year. This schedule shall specify the parenting time for each Party on weekdays and weekends, including drop-off and pick-up times.

2. School Breaks and Vacations:

   The Parties shall also create a schedule for school breaks and vacations, including but not limited to, winter break, spring break, and summer vacation. The schedule shall specify the parenting time for each Party during these periods.

3. Holiday Schedule:

   The Parties shall create a holiday schedule that specifies the parenting time for each Party during major holidays, including but not limited to, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Easter, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. The holiday schedule shall take precedence over the regular parenting schedule.

4. Notification of Changes:

   Any changes to the regular year schedule, school break schedule, or holiday schedule shall be communicated in writing by the Party requesting the change. The Parties shall make every effort to notify each other of changes as far in advance as possible.

5. Agreement on Schedule:

   Both Parties shall sign and acknowledge the calendar outlining the custody and visitation schedule for the regular year, school breaks, and holidays. The signed calendar shall be attached to this Agreement as Schedule A.

IV. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Child Support:

   The Parties agree that [Party A/Party B] shall pay child support to the other Party in the amount of [specific amount] per month. Child support shall be paid on the [specific day] of each month and shall continue until the child/children reach the age of majority or become emancipated, whichever occurs first.

2. Healthcare Expenses:

   Both Parties shall share equally in the cost of the child/children's healthcare expenses, including but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision care. Each Party shall provide the other Party with copies of all bills and receipts related to healthcare expenses for reimbursement.

3. Educational Expenses:

   Both Parties shall share equally in the cost of the child/children's education, including but not limited to, school fees, supplies, and extracurricular activities. Each Party shall provide the other Party with copies of all bills and receipts related to educational expenses for reimbursement.

4. Extracurricular Expenses:

   Both Parties shall share equally in the cost of the child/children's extracurricular activities, including but not limited to, sports, clubs, and lessons. Each Party shall provide the other Party with copies of all bills and receipts related to extracurricular expenses for reimbursement.

5. Unforeseen Expenses:

   In the event of unforeseen expenses related to the child/children's health, education, or welfare, both Parties shall share equally in the cost. Any such expenses shall be discussed and agreed upon by both Parties before being incurred.

6. Income Disclosure:

   Both Parties shall provide each other with copies of their most recent tax returns, pay stubs, and any other relevant financial documents upon request, to ensure accurate calculation of child support and sharing of expenses.

V. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

1. Negotiation:

   In the event of a dispute regarding the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement, both Parties agree to first attempt to resolve the dispute through negotiation in good faith. Either Party may initiate the negotiation process by providing written notice to the other Party.

2. Mediation:

   If the Parties are unable to resolve the dispute through negotiation, they agree to submit the dispute to mediation. The Parties shall mutually agree upon a qualified mediator and share the cost of the mediation equally. The mediator shall assist the Parties in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution.

3. Court Intervention:

   If mediation is unsuccessful, either Party may seek legal redress through the appropriate court. The Parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the court and to abide by any court order issued in relation to the dispute.

4. Costs:

   Each Party shall bear their own costs, including legal fees and expenses, incurred in relation to any dispute resolution process, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

5. Confidentiality:

   All negotiations, discussions, and communications related to the dispute resolution process shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed to any third party, except as required by law.

VI. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By signing this Agreement, both [YOUR NAME] and [PARENT'S NAME] attest they have read, understood, and agreed to its terms and conditions. Each acknowledges that this Agreement is entered into voluntarily, without coercion, and with a complete understanding of its implications.

[YOUR NAME]

[Date Signed]

[PARENT'S NAME]

[Date Signed]

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