Custody agreements are legal documents that outline the terms and conditions of child custody between parents who are no longer together. These agreements can be reached through mediation, negotiation, or litigation, and they typically define the rights and responsibilities of each parent when it comes to parenting the children.

If you`re going through a divorce or separation, it`s important to understand the different types of custody arrangements that exist and how they work. Here are some examples of custody agreements that may be used in your case:

1. Joint custody: In a joint custody arrangement, both parents share legal and physical custody of the child or children. This means that they both have a say in major decisions regarding the children`s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion. They also share parenting time equally or according to a schedule that they agree upon.

2. Sole physical custody: In a sole physical custody arrangement, one parent is granted the right to have the child or children live with them full-time. The other parent typically has visitation rights or parenting time according to a schedule that has been agreed upon or ordered by the court.

3. Sole legal custody: In a sole legal custody arrangement, one parent is granted the right to make all major decisions regarding the child`s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion. The other parent may have visitation rights or parenting time, but they do not have a say in these important decisions.

4. Bird`s nest custody: In a bird`s nest custody arrangement, the child or children remain in the family home while the parents take turns living with them. This type of agreement can be beneficial for parents who want to minimize disruptions to their children`s routines and avoid the need for them to move back and forth between two homes.

5. Split custody: In a split custody arrangement, each parent is granted physical custody of one or more of the children. This type of agreement may be appropriate in cases where the children have different needs or preferences when it comes to living arrangements.

No matter what type of custody arrangement you choose, it`s important to work with an experienced family law attorney to ensure that your rights and your children`s best interests are protected. With the right guidance, you can create a custody agreement that works for your unique family situation.