Writing a Child Support Agreement Letter (with Samples)
Use these sample child support agreement letters as templates for your formal agreement letter.
Last updated on November 23, 2023
A child support agreement letter can either be written by one of the divorcing parents, signed by the other and a witness, or it can be written by a third-party mediator such as a lawyer who will also sign the letter. The arrangements for support of any children will be decided by the judge during the divorce proceedings.
However, some people may not want to go through the court and are willing to voluntarily pay child support and agree to an amount.
If this is the case, the parents need to follow certain state legal requirements and get the agreement approved by a judge. If this isn’t done, there will be little or no recourse later if disagreements arise.
The parent who has physical custody is the place the child will live most of the time. This is the person to whom the child support payments will be paid.
If both parents have the same income, then no support is usually required, but if one parent has a significantly higher income than the other, that parent will be required to pay support. The state where the divorce is final will have child support laws. Children have the legal right to financial support from both parents.
However, some people may not want to go through the court and are willing to voluntarily pay child support and agree to an amount.
If this is the case, the parents need to follow certain state legal requirements and get the agreement approved by a judge. If this isn’t done, there will be little or no recourse later if disagreements arise.
The parent who has physical custody is the place the child will live most of the time. This is the person to whom the child support payments will be paid.
If both parents have the same income, then no support is usually required, but if one parent has a significantly higher income than the other, that parent will be required to pay support. The state where the divorce is final will have child support laws. Children have the legal right to financial support from both parents.
Agreement Letter Should be Simple and Logical
The support agreement letter should be simple and logical. It should include the amount to be paid and the date on which the payment is due. It may include a plan that covers items such as school tuition, health insurance and other large items.
The letter should also give a date when the child support agreement is re-evaluated. The letter should accurately represent the decision of both parents, and they should both sign the letter before it goes for approval by a judge.
The support agreement letter should be simple and logical. It should include the amount to be paid and the date on which the payment is due. It may include a plan that covers items such as school tuition, health insurance and other large items.
The letter should also give a date when the child support agreement is re-evaluated. The letter should accurately represent the decision of both parents, and they should both sign the letter before it goes for approval by a judge.
The letter will detail different aspects of the child’s life depending on how old the child is when the letter is written. For older children, it may not need to stipulate the residence, or visiting rights, but for young children, these things may need to be put in writing.
If either party has any doubts about how to write the letter as a legal document in their state, they can go to the local government website where they should be able to find the answers. Otherwise, it is recommended to ask a lawyer to avoid problems that may arise in the future. Below is a child support agreement letter that was written by a third-party for both parents.
Child Support Agreement between Father and Mother
Child Support Agreement Between Name of Father and Name of Mother
Name of Father and Name of Mother hereby enter into the following agreement in which they both share the physical, emotional and financial support of their son, Name of Son who is eight years old.
1. Name of son will live with his mother who has physical custody for five days each week and live with his father for two days each week until he turns 12 years old on DATE. At that time, the physical custody of the boy will be reviewed.
2. Both parents understand that flexibility will be required to make the living harmonious and agree to fairly share birthdays and holidays with their son. There may be some changes to the living schedule on occasion.
3. Both parents plan to live near each other to make it easier for their son to travel between their residences. Both parents agree to live in the same city as long as it is possible.
4. Both parents will participate in the financial support of their son. The mother will pay 40 percent and the father will pay 60 percent of the costs incurred on utility bills, insurance premiums and school co-curricular activities to the mother on the DATE of each month. The parents will individually pay for day to day expenses.
We have each understood and agree to the terms stated in this agreement on DATE.
If either party has any doubts about how to write the letter as a legal document in their state, they can go to the local government website where they should be able to find the answers. Otherwise, it is recommended to ask a lawyer to avoid problems that may arise in the future. Below is a child support agreement letter that was written by a third-party for both parents.
Child Support Agreement between Father and Mother
Child Support Agreement Between Name of Father and Name of Mother
Name of Father and Name of Mother hereby enter into the following agreement in which they both share the physical, emotional and financial support of their son, Name of Son who is eight years old.
1. Name of son will live with his mother who has physical custody for five days each week and live with his father for two days each week until he turns 12 years old on DATE. At that time, the physical custody of the boy will be reviewed.
2. Both parents understand that flexibility will be required to make the living harmonious and agree to fairly share birthdays and holidays with their son. There may be some changes to the living schedule on occasion.
3. Both parents plan to live near each other to make it easier for their son to travel between their residences. Both parents agree to live in the same city as long as it is possible.
4. Both parents will participate in the financial support of their son. The mother will pay 40 percent and the father will pay 60 percent of the costs incurred on utility bills, insurance premiums and school co-curricular activities to the mother on the DATE of each month. The parents will individually pay for day to day expenses.
We have each understood and agree to the terms stated in this agreement on DATE.
Sample Child Support Agreement Letter
Signature of Father
Signature of Mother
Signature of Lawyer or other Third Party
If one parent has voluntarily chosen or been given a court order to pay all of the financial support for his or her child, another letter can be written. Below is a sample of that type of letter.
Name of Father
Address of Father
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Mother
Address of Mother
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Child support payments for Name of Child, age 14
Dear Name of Mother,
As directed by the court on DATE, I will pay for the support of Name of Child.
I will give the sum of Amount of Payment every month on or before the fifth of the month to cover all of the financial needs of our child until she turns 18 years old on DATE.
I will have regular visits with her as approved by you. I hope you find this arrangement agreeable.
Sincerely,
Signature of Father
Printed Name of Father
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Child Support Agreement Letter?
Answer: A Child Support Agreement Letter is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of child support between two parents or guardians. It serves as a written record of their agreement regarding financial support for the upbringing of their child or children.
Q: What should be included in a Child Support Agreement Letter?
Answer: A Child Support Agreement Letter should include several key elements. These typically include the names and contact information of both parents, details about the child or children, the agreed-upon amount of child support, the frequency of payments, the method of payment, and any specific provisions regarding medical expenses, education costs, or other relevant expenses.
Q: Is a Child Support Agreement Letter legally binding?
Answer: Yes, a Child Support Agreement Letter can be legally binding if it meets certain requirements. While the specific regulations may vary by jurisdiction, a written agreement that is signed by both parties and, in some cases, notarized, can be considered a legally enforceable contract.
Q: Can a Child Support Agreement Letter be modified?
Answer: Yes, a Child Support Agreement Letter can be modified if both parties mutually agree to the changes. It is important to document any modifications in writing and have both parties sign the revised agreement. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may be necessary to seek court approval for significant modifications.
Q: What happens if one party fails to comply with the Child Support Agreement Letter?
Answer: If one party fails to comply with the terms of the Child Support Agreement Letter, the other party can take legal action to enforce the agreement. This may involve seeking assistance from the court system or a child support enforcement agency. Consequences for non-compliance can include wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or other legal penalties.
Q: Can a Child Support Agreement Letter be used as evidence in court?
Answer: Yes, a Child Support Agreement Letter can be used as evidence in court to demonstrate the agreed-upon terms of child support between the parties involved. It is advisable to keep copies of all correspondence related to child support, including the original agreement letter, in case they are needed for legal proceedings.
Q: Is it necessary to involve lawyers in creating a Child Support Agreement Letter?
Answer: While it is not strictly necessary to involve lawyers in creating a Child Support Agreement Letter, it is often advisable, especially if there are complex financial or custody issues involved. Lawyers can provide guidance, ensure that the agreement complies with local laws, and help protect the rights and interests of both parties.
Q: Can a Child Support Agreement Letter be used for informal arrangements?
Answer: Yes, a Child Support Agreement Letter can be used for both formal and informal arrangements. Even in informal arrangements, it is beneficial to have a written agreement that outlines the agreed-upon terms to prevent misunderstandings or disputes in the future. However, it is important to note that an informal agreement may not have the same legal weight as a formal court-ordered agreement.
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Signature of Father
Signature of Mother
Signature of Lawyer or other Third Party
If one parent has voluntarily chosen or been given a court order to pay all of the financial support for his or her child, another letter can be written. Below is a sample of that type of letter.
Name of Father
Address of Father
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Mother
Address of Mother
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Child support payments for Name of Child, age 14
Dear Name of Mother,
As directed by the court on DATE, I will pay for the support of Name of Child.
I will give the sum of Amount of Payment every month on or before the fifth of the month to cover all of the financial needs of our child until she turns 18 years old on DATE.
I will have regular visits with her as approved by you. I hope you find this arrangement agreeable.
Sincerely,
Signature of Father
Printed Name of Father
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Child Support Agreement Letter?
Answer: A Child Support Agreement Letter is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of child support between two parents or guardians. It serves as a written record of their agreement regarding financial support for the upbringing of their child or children.
Q: What should be included in a Child Support Agreement Letter?
Answer: A Child Support Agreement Letter should include several key elements. These typically include the names and contact information of both parents, details about the child or children, the agreed-upon amount of child support, the frequency of payments, the method of payment, and any specific provisions regarding medical expenses, education costs, or other relevant expenses.
Q: Is a Child Support Agreement Letter legally binding?
Answer: Yes, a Child Support Agreement Letter can be legally binding if it meets certain requirements. While the specific regulations may vary by jurisdiction, a written agreement that is signed by both parties and, in some cases, notarized, can be considered a legally enforceable contract.
Q: Can a Child Support Agreement Letter be modified?
Answer: Yes, a Child Support Agreement Letter can be modified if both parties mutually agree to the changes. It is important to document any modifications in writing and have both parties sign the revised agreement. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may be necessary to seek court approval for significant modifications.
Q: What happens if one party fails to comply with the Child Support Agreement Letter?
Answer: If one party fails to comply with the terms of the Child Support Agreement Letter, the other party can take legal action to enforce the agreement. This may involve seeking assistance from the court system or a child support enforcement agency. Consequences for non-compliance can include wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or other legal penalties.
Q: Can a Child Support Agreement Letter be used as evidence in court?
Answer: Yes, a Child Support Agreement Letter can be used as evidence in court to demonstrate the agreed-upon terms of child support between the parties involved. It is advisable to keep copies of all correspondence related to child support, including the original agreement letter, in case they are needed for legal proceedings.
Q: Is it necessary to involve lawyers in creating a Child Support Agreement Letter?
Answer: While it is not strictly necessary to involve lawyers in creating a Child Support Agreement Letter, it is often advisable, especially if there are complex financial or custody issues involved. Lawyers can provide guidance, ensure that the agreement complies with local laws, and help protect the rights and interests of both parties.
Q: Can a Child Support Agreement Letter be used for informal arrangements?
Answer: Yes, a Child Support Agreement Letter can be used for both formal and informal arrangements. Even in informal arrangements, it is beneficial to have a written agreement that outlines the agreed-upon terms to prevent misunderstandings or disputes in the future. However, it is important to note that an informal agreement may not have the same legal weight as a formal court-ordered agreement.
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