-Separation, while often a necessary step towards a new chapter, comes with many challenges, especially when children are involved. Usually, the most pressing concerns are establishing clear and equitable arrangements for child custody and support.
While the emotional toll of separation is overwhelming, it’s still crucial to define child custody and support provisions in the separation agreement. It would be best if you protected your children from experiencing any strains coming from the separation.
And you can only do this by negotiating proper terms to include in the separation agreement. So, what are some of the provisions to include in the document? Continue reading to learn more!
Custody Arrangements
Custody arrangements in a separation agreement will determine where the child will live. This is an essential part of the agreement since it lays out how parents will take care of their children after the separation. There are two primary types of custody: joint and sole.
Joint custody means both parents are responsible for making decisions about school, healthcare, etc. It also means the child spends time with both parents. Sole custody, on the other hand, means one parent has the primary say in decisions, and the child primarily lives with either of them.
Visitation and Parenting Time
Visitation and parenting time are crucial provisions in a separation agreement that addresses how the children will spend time with each parent. This includes a detailed schedule for weekends, holidays, and vacations.
It also allows for flexibility in case of unforeseen circumstances. Both parents must agree and adhere to this schedule to ensure the children have a consistent and stable routine.
Decision-Making Authority
Decision-making authority in a separation agreement outlines who gets to make big choices for the child, like where the child goes to school, what doctors they see, and other important stuff. In some cases, both parents might share this authority, and they need to work together to make the right decisions. In other cases, one of the parents might have the main say, especially if they have sole custody.
Relocation Provisions in Separation Agreement
Relocation provisions in a separation agreement highlight what happens if one parent wants to move far away with the child. This is important because it affects where the child will live and how often they’ll see the other parent.
The agreement might set rules about how far a parent can move without telling the other or state if they need permission from the court. These provisions will help ensure both parents have a say in where the child lives, further protecting their rights.
Going through the separation process and the hassles that come with creating a separation agreement is a big step in life that can take a toll on you. As such, Form.legal offers all types of separation agreement forms that can serve as a valuable resource for drafting your agreement. By utilizing these resources, you can save time and money while ensuring a fair and comprehensive agreement for your children’s well-being.