There isn’t much difference between a parental agreement and a custody order. The difference is in how they come about.
Parental Agreement
A parenting agreement is a consent order that is developed during mediation between parents with a third party present as a mediator.
- No attorneys are present
- No Judge is present
- You have full control to put in your input to work out an agreement
- Once an agreement is reached all parties sign it then a judge signs it and it becomes a court order
Court Order
In a court order you go to trial, present your case before a judge and then the judge makes a determination.
- A Judge will determine custody schedule
- Legal Custody
- All of the provisions that surround your child’s life
The difference here is you really don’t get as much say in the outcome.
If you need help deciding on a parental agreement or child custody, contact one of our experienced Family Law Attorneys at Dummit Fradin.