A Parenting Plan is a written agreement to support a co-parenting approach that covers the practical issues for your child. It works even better if you involve your child. A Parenting Plan can help because it shows clearly what arrangements and actions you have agreed to meet the needs of your child.
parenting agreement is a structured written agreement between the people who care for the child or children and they set out what has been agreed in terms of the child arrangements, communication between parents and how parents are involved in the child/children's lives.
A contract is a formal, legally binding agreement made between two parties with a common interest in mind. This creates “mutual obligations that are enforceable by law.”
Why Is Joint Custody the Most Common Child Custody Arrangement? Joint custody arrangements have become more common over the years. For many families, joint custody is the best possible situation after a divorce because both parents spend meaningful time with their children and remain involved in their lives.
A letter of agreement between two parents should clearly state the terms of their co-parenting arrangement, including custody, visitation, decision-making responsibilities, and financial obligations. Both parents should sign the letter, which should be notarized to ensure enforceability.
In Missouri, if a child is born to unmarried parents, then the mother is automatically given sole custody with full parental rights. That is unless the mother signs an affidavit acknowledging that her partner is the father. If the mother refuses, then the father must establish paternity via DNA test or court petition.