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The Joint Parenting Agreement is essential for parents in Nigeria who are separated, divorced, or never married but share responsibility for their children. This document becomes particularly crucial in establishing clear, legally-enforceable guidelines for co-parenting arrangements while ensuring compliance with Nigerian federal law, including the Child Rights Act 2003, as well as relevant state laws, customary practices, and where applicable, Sharia law. The agreement typically covers crucial aspects such as physical and legal custody, visitation schedules, decision-making authorities, financial responsibilities, and dispute resolution mechanisms. It serves as a foundational document that helps prevent future conflicts by clearly defining each parent's rights and responsibilities, while maintaining focus on the child's best interests. The agreement can be used either as a voluntary arrangement between cooperating parents or as part of a court-ordered custody arrangement.

1. Parties: Identification of both parents, including full legal names, addresses, and contact information

2. Background: Brief history of the parental relationship, current status, and reason for the agreement

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Child/Children', 'Primary Residence', 'Parenting Time', etc.

4. Legal Custody and Decision Making: Specification of joint legal custody arrangements and how major decisions regarding the child will be made

5. Physical Custody and Living Arrangements: Details of where the child will primarily reside and the regular living schedule

6. Parenting Time Schedule: Detailed schedule of when the child will spend time with each parent, including regular schedule, holidays, and school breaks

7. Transportation and Exchange: Arrangements for transferring the child between parents, including locations and responsibilities

8. Communication: Rules for communication between parents and with the child, including methods and frequency

9. Education: Agreements regarding school choice, academic decisions, and participation in school activities

10. Healthcare: Arrangements for medical care, insurance, and emergency medical decisions

11. Financial Responsibilities: Division of expenses related to the child, including education, healthcare, and activities

12. Dispute Resolution: Process for resolving disagreements between parents

13. Modification of Agreement: Procedures for changing the agreement as circumstances change

14. Governing Law: Statement that the agreement is governed by Nigerian law and compliant with relevant legislation