What steps should we take after we've /somewhat/ agreed on a custody arrangement

Question

We were never married and very recently split. We've decided on 50/50 and are wanting to do something like 3 days-4 days until he finds work, which we would like to switch to his days off he gets our daughter.

Pete David Louden · Answer

The right way to do this and avoid problems later is to file a Petition and then enter an agreed order and Joint Custody plan.  Hire an attorney and they can make this happen.

Brian Boeheim · Answer

if you don't do it through the courts, you runt he risk of having no recourse if the deal breaks down.  There is also the issue of child support.  I would sit down with an attorney and make sure it is done right.

Charles Watts · Answer

Both Pete and Brian are giving you sound advice.  A Petition to Establish Paternity, Custody and Child Support is the smartest safest way to protect all parties.  You are getting along now, but if you look in the courts you see millions of people that were getting along at one point that are no longer getting along.  Do things right, and do them up front, so that later, neither party can use the child as a bargaining tool because that is not why the children are there.  Also, with that being said it establishes a set visitation schedule that is to be followed, but also leaves room for the parties to mutual agree on changes, for example if one party wants some extra days for a vacation you can simply agree to that and it doesn't have to go back to court just because of a temporary situation, which might be very applicable since your ex is having a temporary job issue.

Q: What steps should we take after we've /somewhat/ agreed on a custody arrangement