Legal Child Custody Checklist
Prepared by: [YOUR NAME]
Company: [YOUR COMPANY NAME]
Date: [DATE]
Initial Preparation
Task | Completed (✓) |
|---|
Determine the type of custody arrangement being pursued (physical, legal, joint, sole) | |
Gather all relevant documents (birth certificates, medical records, school records, etc.) | |
Evaluate your current living situation and its suitability for the child. | |
Research state laws regarding child custody and visitation | |
Decide whether to hire an attorney or pursue a self-represented approach. | |
Filing for Custody
Task | Completed (✓) |
|---|
File a petition for custody with the appropriate family court | |
Pay any filing fees (varies by state and court) | |
Serve custody papers to the other parent (if applicable) | |
Ensure the other parent acknowledges receipt of the petition. | |
Temporary Custody Orders
Task | Completed (✓) |
|---|
Request temporary custody orders if needed (e.g., during the divorce or before a hearing) | |
Attend a hearing for temporary custody orders if required. | |
Follow the court’s temporary custody orders until the final decision is made. | |
Mediation and Negotiation
Task | Completed (✓) |
|---|
Attempt to reach an agreement through mediation or negotiation with the other parent. | |
Attend a mediation session if required by the court. | |
Work with a mediator to draft a parenting plan if possible. | |
Ensure any agreement made is in the child’s best interest. | |
Child Custody Evaluation (if applicable)
Task | Completed (✓) |
|---|
Hire or consult with a child custody evaluator (if required by the court) | |
Provide the evaluator with the necessary documents and information. | |
Attend meetings or interviews with the evaluator, as requested. | |
Review and discuss the evaluator’s report with your attorney (if applicable) | |
Custody Hearing or Trial
Task | Completed (✓) |
|---|
Prepare for the custody hearing by organizing documents and evidence | |
Present your case clearly and respectfully to the judge. | |
Submit any evidence that supports your position (e.g., witnesses, financial records, living conditions) | |
Attend the custody hearing or trial and follow court procedures. | |
Final Custody Order
Task | Completed (✓) |
|---|
Review the final custody order carefully to ensure accuracy | |
Ensure that both parents sign the custody agreement or order. | |
Submit the final custody order to the court for approval and filing. | |
Obtain a certified copy of the final custody order. | |
Post-Custody Considerations
Task | Completed (✓) |
|---|
Implement the parenting plan (custody, visitation, holiday schedules) | |
Ensure the child’s welfare and needs are met according to the custody order. | |
Update legal documents (e.g., wills, guardianship arrangements) to reflect custody changes. | |
Maintain regular communication with the other parent about the child’s well-being. | |
Follow all legal obligations regarding child support and custody visitation. | |
Checklist Templates @ Template.net
