Propose and negotiate custody and support agreements

The court believes that parents should make their own plans for their child since parents know their child and their child’s needs.

In many cases, parents prefer to make these decisions together by reaching an agreement rather than having a judge decide. A judge won’t know the details of your life and circumstances as well as you do, and working with the other parent means you have more control of the outcome.

People reach agreements in different ways

Working things out does not mean that you have to sit down together. If you get along this may be possible. Other times, it is easier to work things out over the phone, text, or email. This is one way a couple may reach an agreement.

You do not have to use this process.

What if we don't agree on most things or anything?

Think of this as a chance to identify if there’s anything at all that you agree on or can reach an agreement on by negotiating. If there’s something you absolutely can’t agree on, you’ll need to go to court and have a judge decide.