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A contract between co-parents is essential for co-parenting to offer fair conditions to both parents. In this way, the obligations of each one are clear from the beginning and surprises are avoided at the last moment. In this article, we are going to show you what these contracts consist of and what they must contain to guarantee the correct upbringing of your son or daughter.
What is a co-parenting contract?
It is an agreement by which parents agree to follow specific guidelines in fundamental aspects for the upbringing and education of the baby. It is not legally binding, but it can be taken into account in case of disagreements between the two in the future. What is very important is that you do not take this document as an inflexible law, since over the years the circumstances of each one can change and you will have to adapt.
Most important clauses
Aspects such as education, housing or the economy are the most relevant. Next, we are going to show you what you should keep in mind when you write it.
Care and holidays
This aspect brings many parents upside down. Will both take the same responsibility when it comes to daily care? Do you prefer that one person is in charge most of the time? This has to be made clear in writing. If custody is going to be shared or if one of you will be the one who normally lives with your son or daughter. You have to agree, since the emotional stability of the little boy or girl will depend on it.
The same goes for vacation days. How do you want to distribute them? Possibly, the two of you have to balance some schedules in your work so that the baby does not have to stay without traveling in summer. It is your decision, but in the co-parent contract you must think of him or her.
Expenses and education
How do you want to educate your or your baby? Will you pay for a paid school or do you prefer public education? This is one of the biggest decisions you will have to face. Likewise, who will pay the bills? Normally, this concept is divided in half, although you may have other ideas. Reflect everything in the co-parent contract so that there is no doubt between you.
There are many more things to decide in your co-parenting contract. Religion, the visits of each one and those of her relatives or, even, food. Anything that you think may be open to discussion deserves to appear in this valuable document. You should always go to a legal professional, keep in mind that this agreement should last for years and be used for all situations that arise. The important thing is that you think exclusively about the well-being of your son or your daughter.