Massachusetts · Co-Parenting

Co-Parenting Agreement

A working agreement between parents to reduce conflict and provide stability for the child(ren). This is NOT a court order — it's a voluntary agreement between parents. It can be filed with the court for approval if both parents agree.

⚠️ This is a template, not legal advice. DadHelp is not a law firm. This agreement is voluntary and does not replace a court order. If you need a legally binding order, file with MA Probate & Family Court. Have an attorney review before signing.

Parties

Parent A (Full Legal Name)

Parent B (Full Legal Name)

Child(ren) — Full Name(s) & Date(s) of Birth

Date of Agreement

Purpose & Commitment

We, the parents named above, agree to the following co-parenting principles:

Our child(ren)'s well-being, safety, and happiness are our top priority.
We will treat each other with respect, even when we disagree.
We will not use our child(ren) as messengers, spies, or mediators.
We will not criticize or badmouth each other in front of our child(ren) or on social media.
We will encourage our child(ren)'s relationship with the other parent.
We will communicate directly and respectfully about parenting matters.
We will follow this agreement in good faith and work to resolve disputes without court intervention when possible.

⚖️ Statement of Fairness: Both parents have reviewed this agreement and believe it is fair and equitable. Neither parent was coerced or pressured into signing. Both parents had the opportunity to consult with independent legal counsel before signing. This agreement is intended to serve the best interests of the child(ren) and to provide stability and predictability for both parents and child(ren). Both parents agree that the holiday schedule, parenting time, and financial responsibilities outlined herein are balanced and do not unfairly favor either parent.

Parenting Time Schedule

Regular Weekly Schedule

Summer/Vacation Schedule

Holiday Schedule

Holidays override the regular weekly schedule. Major holidays alternate between parents on odd and even years. Mother's Day and Father's Day are fixed — each parent gets their respective day every year.

Holiday	Even Years	Odd Years	Time / Duration	Notes
New Year's Eve
New Year's Day
MLK Day
February School Vacation
April School Vacation
Memorial Day
July 4th
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
🎈 Mother's Day	Parent with mother role — EVERY YEAR
🎈 Father's Day	Parent with father role — EVERY YEAR
🎂 Child's Birthday
🎂 Parent A's Birthday	Parent A — EVERY YEAR
🎂 Parent B's Birthday	Parent B — EVERY YEAR
Religious Holidays

Exchange Location

Transportation Responsibility

Communication Guidelines

Primary Communication Method

Response Time Expectation

Communication Rules

Communication with Child

Decision-Making

Major Decisions (education, medical, religious)

Routine/Day-to-Day Decisions

Emergency Decisions

How to Handle Disagreements

Financial Responsibilities

Child Support Amount

Who Pays Child Support?

Payment Method & Schedule

Unreimbursed Medical Expenses — How Split?

Extracurricular Activities — How Split?

Childcare / Daycare — How Split?

Clothing & School Supplies

Shared Expense Reimbursement Process

New Partners & Family

Introducing New Partners to Child(ren)

New Partner Rules Around Children

Extended Family

Household Rules & Consistency

Bedtime

Screen Time

Homework Rules

Discipline Approach

Diet / Food Rules

Religious Upbringing

Travel, Safety & Boundaries

Out-of-State Travel

Substance Use

Social Media

Right of First Refusal

Review & Modifications

Review Schedule

How to Modify This Agreement

Next Review Date

Signatures

By signing below, both parents agree to the terms in this Co-Parenting Agreement. This agreement is voluntary and does not constitute a court order unless approved by the court. Both parents acknowledge that this agreement is fair and equitable, was negotiated in good faith, and neither parent was coerced or pressured into signing. Both parents had the opportunity to consult with independent legal counsel before signing.

Parent A Signature

Date

Parent B Signature

Date

DadHelp · Document Pack for Massachusetts · Not legal advice · dadcourthelp.com