Contracting Custody?

[Rachella]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

Okay, where to begin. I have a 7 month old daughter born out of wedlock. She was born in Michigan. I moved up here while I was pregnant, I originally come from Florida where I was raised. My biggest question is simply this; is it possible to have a lawyer draw up a contract between me and my ex for custody? We're both in agreement with what we want to do, being rational about it luckily. But we want to try to avoid having to do everything through the court system. We'd prefer something like this instead. If a lawyer can draw a contract up for us stating our agreed custody terms, gets it signed by a judge, can this work other than going through the court as it would normally be done? I hope I'm making sense here.. any input is thoroughly welcomed. Thanks!

Also, I forgot to ask. Because she was born out of wedlock, does that give me the mother full custody of her, physically and legally? I've been told so, but I want to have all my bases checked, so to speak.

 

[Zephyr]

that would work. I suggest you each have a lawyer read over the document before either of you sign it and send it to the judge.

 

[justlilolme]

I think what you are talking about is having an attorney draw up and enter Agreed Orders. It wouldn't be a 'contract' it would be Paternity, Custody, Visitation, & Support orders. It is always much easier and cheaper to do agreed orders when possible, and Judges generally prefer it (in my experience). The attorney would be able to advise you on things that your jurisdiction and court requires in regards to things addressed in the orders.

For a child born out of wedlock paternity needs to be legally established prior to custody, visitation, or support being addressed and to establish father's parental rights.