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Child Custody Issue: domestic partnership property rights

Started by losing_my_mind_here_18 · May 31, 2024 · 882 views · 0 replies
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
LM
losing_my_mind_here_18 OP

Sorry for the wall of text. I'm dealing with a situation and need some guidance.

domestic partnership property rights. I've been dealing with this for about 7 weeks now and the situation isn't improving.

I have already consulted briefly with a lawyer but got conflicting advice.

Am I overthinking this or is this a real legal issue worth pursuing?

CA
careerchange2026_4

You can absolutely negotiate your own parenting plan, and I encourage it — parents who create their own arrangements tend to comply with them better than court-imposed orders. But for it to be legally enforceable (at least in my experience), you need to:

  1. File it with teh court: An informal agreement between parents isn't enforceable until a judge signs it as a court order. If one parent later violates the agreement, you can't enforce it without a court order.
  2. Cover the essentials: Legal custody (decision-making), physical custody (residential schedule), holiday/vacation schedule, transportation responsibilities, right of first refusal, communication protocols, and dispute resolution (mediation before litigation).
  3. Address child support: Even if you agree on an amount, most states require child support calculations to follow guidelines. A court will review your agreement to ensure it meets the child's needs.

A family law mediator ($200-$400/session) can help you draft a comprehensive agreement and file it. Much cheaper than adversarial attorneys and preserves your co-parenting relationship....