Custody Guides for Parents

Practical, plain-English guides to help you understand your custody agreement and co-parenting rights.

Guide

How to Read and Understand Your Custody Agreement

A section-by-section breakdown of what's in a typical custody agreement, what each part means, and why it matters for your day-to-day life as a co-parent.

8 min read
Explained

Right of First Refusal in Custody: What It Means and How It Works

The right of first refusal is one of the most misunderstood custody provisions. Learn what triggers it, how the time thresholds work, and what to do when it's violated.

6 min read
Checklist

The Complete Parenting Plan Checklist: 40 Things Your Agreement Should Cover

Whether you're reviewing an existing plan or negotiating a new one, use this checklist to make sure nothing important is missing from your parenting agreement.

10 min read
Relocation

Can My Ex Move Away With My Child? Relocation Rules Explained

What to do when your co-parent wants to relocate. Distance thresholds, notice requirements, how courts decide, and how to find the relocation clause in your agreement.

7 min read
Know Your Rights

What to Do When Your Custody Agreement Is Violated

Your co-parent isn't following the agreement. Here's how to document violations, when to involve the court, and the difference between contempt and modification.

9 min read
Basics

Joint Custody vs. Sole Custody: What's the Difference and What Does Yours Say?

Legal custody vs. physical custody, joint vs. sole, primary vs. shared — what each term means, how they combine, and how to figure out what your agreement actually grants.

7 min read
Process

How to Modify a Custody Agreement: When You Can, When You Can't, and How to Start

Life changes. Your custody agreement can too — but only under certain conditions. Learn what counts as a "substantial change in circumstances" and the steps involved.

8 min read
Schedule

Holiday Custody Schedule: How to Read Yours and Avoid Disputes

Holiday schedules are the #1 source of co-parent conflict. How to read your odd/even year rotation, handle Christmas splits, and avoid arguments.

8 min read
Logistics

Custody Pickup and Dropoff Rules: Transportation, Times, and Disputes

Who drives for exchanges? What time exactly? What if someone is late? How to find the transportation rules in your agreement.

6 min read
Financial

Who Pays for Extracurricular Activities? What Your Custody Agreement Says

Your ex signed the kids up for travel soccer without asking. Now there's a $2,000 bill. Are you on the hook? The answer is in your agreement.

7 min read