What is the difference between legal and physical custody?

Legal custody is the right to make major decisions (school, medical, religion). Physical custody is where the child lives. Either can be shared (joint) or sole.

Can I modify an existing custody order?

Yes, usually by showing a material change in circumstances since the last order. This tool drafts a modification request.

Do both parents need to agree?

An agreed parenting plan is fastest. If you do not agree, you can still file a proposed plan for the court to consider.

Custody Agreement Forms

Create or modify a parenting plan and custody schedule.

Start your custody agreement document

Free preview - $9 to download the court-ready PDF.

Want to see what goes in it first? Custody Agreement Template: What a Parenting Plan Covers

A clear parenting plan reduces conflict and is what courts want to see. This tool drafts custody agreements, modifications, and visitation schedules addressing legal and physical custody, holidays, and communication.

Documents you can generate

Parenting plan with legal and physical custody terms
Visitation and holiday schedules
Custody modification requests
Best-interests-of-the-child framing

How it works

Pick your state and answer a few plain-English questions.
Review a free preview of your formatted document.
Pay $9 to download the complete, court-ready PDF.

Official resources and free legal help

Deadlines, filing fees, and procedure are set by your court and change. Confirm the current rules for your case before you file.

Pro Se Legal Docs is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. These templates help you prepare your own filing; they do not replace advice from a licensed attorney in your state.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between legal and physical custody?: Legal custody is the right to make major decisions (school, medical, religion). Physical custody is where the child lives. Either can be shared (joint) or sole.
Can I modify an existing custody order?: Yes, usually by showing a material change in circumstances since the last order. This tool drafts a modification request.
Do both parents need to agree?: An agreed parenting plan is fastest. If you do not agree, you can still file a proposed plan for the court to consider.

Available in every state

Pick your state for its custody agreement forms and official court links.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming District of Columbia

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This is a self-help document generator, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney or your local legal aid office.