How do you write a character reference letter for child custody
Character Reference Letter for Court: Child Custody Template
A character reference letter to the court can be an important part of a disputed custody case.
If you're a parent pursing child custody, it's important you understand who you should ask to write a letter and how it can impact your case.
If you've been asked to write to the judge, use our sample character reference letter and fill-in-the-blank template.
What's a character reference letter?
Sometimes simply called a character letter, this letter is official legal testimony used as evidence in some child custody cases.
Similar to a declaration letter, it's a statement to the judge that supports a parent's requested custody arrangements. However, unlike a declaration letter, a character reference letter is written by someone who knows the parent (instead of the parent themself).
A character reference letter gives the judge insight into the case by offering a third party's perspective on the parent's relationship with the child. It also gives the judge more information about who the parent is, how they take care of their child and why they should have custody.
When you may need a character reference letter
Ideally, parents should work together to create their parenting plan, parenting time schedule and child support agreement.
When parents can't agree on custody, a judge (or other court official, such as a magistrate) decides the custody orders. Each parent submits paperwork to the court detailing the arrangements they want, along with evidence to prove that their proposed arrangement is best for the child.
Both parents can submit a character reference letter as part of this paperwork. The letters are typically optional, but one can go a long way in helping the judge understand you and your parenting.
In high-conflict cases where parents make allegations against each other, character reference letters can help the judge get more information.
You may also need a character reference letter if you have issues that can cause a parent to lose custody, such as a DUI conviction or criminal record.
A strong character reference letter showing how the issues are in the past and do not affect your parenting can be crucial in these situations.
Who should write a character reference letter for a custody case
Your character reference letter writer is a witness on your behalf — they should know you well, have first-hand knowledge of your relationship with your child and support your custody requests. They should be someone who has frequently observed your parenting and who can authentically speak to your character.
Common character letter writers include close relatives, friends, co-workers and supervisors. You might also ask your child's teacher or caregiver if they know you well and have personal knowledge of your parenting. Be sure to choose someone who has known you for several years and who is credible in the eyes of the court.
If you want your character reference letter to address substance abuse or a similar issue, you might ask your sponsor or therapist.
Just make sure they have observed you interacting with your child.
If you have a lawyer, they'll give you guidance on whom you should ask and what issues the letter should address. They may advise you to get letters from more than one person.
Tips when asking someone to write a character reference letter
When asking someone to write a character reference letter for you:
- Give them plenty of notice.
- Provide them with your court's requirements (e.g., format, page length, if the letter needs to be sealed in an envelope).
- Make sure they understand that the letter will be used as evidence in your case and become part of the official court record.
- Give them background information about your case and explain that judges make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child.
- Share this article with them, along with its downloadable example and template.
How to write a character reference letter to a judge regarding custody
If you've been asked to write a character reference letter to a judge in a custody case, be sure you're clear on the court's requirements and exactly what your letter needs to include.
Character reference letters are usually a page long (two pages max).
As you prepare to write, brainstorm what you know about the parent and make a list of information and examples you want to include. Create an outline to organize your ideas.
After writing a draft, make sure you followed your outline and the organization flows logically. Use spell- and grammar-checking tools, and proofread carefully.
Remember that writing a character reference makes you a witness in the case, so take your role and the letter seriously.
How to format a character reference letter
A typical character reference letter has the following organization.
Heading and salutation: Use business-letter formatting and include information required by the court, such as the case number. The proper form of address for a judge is "To the honorable Judge," followed by their last name.
Introduction (1 paragraph): State the name of the parent on whose behalf you're writing, explain how you know them and for how long.
Clearly state your overall assessment of the parent's character and parenting, and finish the introduction with a statement in support of the parent's custody requests.
Supporting facts and examples (2–3 paragraphs): Give more details about how you know the parent, your assessment of their character and their relationship with their child.
Share examples that demonstrate how the parent cares for their child and supports their best interests. Highlight the parent's strengths, and show how they play an active role in their child's upbringing and overall well-being. Be specific, and focus on the parent–child relationship.
Conclusion (1 paragraph): Clearly restate your support of the parent's custody requests. Reiterate their strengths and commitment to supporting their child's best interests.
Closing & signature: Thank the judge for their time and consideration. Sign as you would a business letter. You typically don't need to have your letter notarized.
Keep in mind that some courts or judges prefer confidential letters with the writer's signature across the envelope seal (proving that it hasn't been opened). Ask the parent for whom you're writing the letter if this is necessary.
Downloadable example and template
Below, find a sample character reference letter and a character reference letter template that you can customize. Keep in mind that court requirements and preferences vary.
- Character reference letter sample
- Character reference letter template
The tools you need for custody court
The Custody X Change app has many tools to help with your child custody case.
- Create a detailed parenting plan that shows your requested legal custody arrangements and co-parenting rules in airtight legal language, demonstrating your competency.
- Make a custom parenting time schedule to show the judge the exact physical custody arrangement you want.
- Keep a custody journal to electronically organize evidence, document incidents and keep a record of co-parenting issues.
- Track actual parenting time and get reports to show the judge exactly how much time each parent spends with your child.
- Use the parent messaging tool to keep an accurate record of your conversations with the other parent.
- Link your account to your lawyer's and print your journal, parenting time reports and messages so you can submit them to the court as evidence.
Custody X Change is software that creates professional parenting plan documents and parenting schedules.
Make My PlanHow To Write A Character Reference For Child Custody
From court hearings to internal family disputes, child custody cases are trying battles in many ways. And while each family’s situation is different, parents in child custody cases have one job – to convince a judge that being in their child’s life is in the best interest of their son or daughter. Aside from having a stable job, a home and a healthy relationship with the child, one of the most effective ways to prove fitness as a parent is with a character reference for child custody.
What is a Character Reference for Child Custody?
Just like a reference letter for a job, a character reference for child custody speaks on behalf of a parent – explaining why he or she should have custody of his/her child. These letters give a judge a more personal, in-depth look at how involved the parent has been, as well as how the parent has positively impacted the child. Essentially, a character reference for child custody argues for the parent to be a part of the child’s life.
Who Should Write a Character Reference for Child Custody?
Typically, the parent seeking custody should ask close friends and family to write character references. This is because they have the most credibility, being the ones to witness first-hand the relationship between the parent and child, as well as how the parent has handled the challenges of co-parenting thus far.
Other people that may have enough insight on the parent-child relationship are neighbors and co-workers who have known the family for some time.
However, just because a parent asks someone to write a character reference for child custody does not necessarily mean that the person should agree. One should only write a letter if he/she genuinely believes that the parent requesting is a positive addition to the child’s life.
The parent seeking custody may want to ask a few individuals to write a reference letter. Later, the parent’s attorney may decide which one to submit or may choose to submit several.
Where to Begin When Writing a Character Reference for Child Custody
Doing some brainstorming before writing the letter usually makes the process much easier. Begin by considering examples of behavior between the parent and child that you have witnessed. You do not have to describe each example in the letter, but each instance may help you to distill the relationship between parent and child. For example, looking at your list you might conclude that the relationship is warm, loving, and stable.
This will also help you develop a sense of authenticity as you are writing the letter.
A character reference for child custody does not need to be written in a formal, business tone. Remember to keep the tone of the letter friendly and conversational. Don’t feel the need to use legal terms. It should be written in your own voice, which will depict a level of honesty and care you have for the parent you are writing about.
Writing a Character Reference for Child Custody – The Proper Format and Message
It also isn’t necessary to write an overly long letter. One page typically will suffice. Begin the first paragraph by:
- Introducing yourself
- Mentioning your relationship to the parent
In the next one to two paragraphs, describe two or three of the items from your brainstorming list. You don’t necessarily have to include events where the parent proved their devotion under extraordinary circumstances. Judges are frequently more interested in the child’s day-to-day welfare. You might also include something about:
- Getting the child to school on time
- Providing nutritious meals
- Having a loving and affectionate relationship
As a final paragraph, sum up why you think the parent is the best candidate for receiving custody.
Provide your contact information if you have not included it elsewhere.
What to Leave Out of a Character Reference for Child Custody
Keep in mind that the character reference for child custody is intended to recommend why a particular parent is the right individual to care for a child. Accordingly, the character reference letter is not the place to bash the other parent or point out where the other parent may have failed in their responsibility. Maintain a focus on the good parenting skills shown by the other parent.
To learn more about child custody, take a look at How to Prove a Parent Unfit for Child Custody.
sample documents from the place of work and residence
Published: 08/17/2018
Reading time: 7 min Registration of guardianship requires the collection of a large amount of documentation.
ContentsShow
- Why is a characteristic for a guardian needed?0015
- How to draw up a characteristic for a guardian
- Characteristics from the place of work
- Characteristics from the place of residence
- Characteristics for the family of the guardian
- Characteristics of the ward from an educational organization
An important role is played by the characteristic of the person who wants to register a guardian.
Why you need a reference for a guardian
The main purpose of guardianship of a child is to place him in a family where he can receive adequate care and attention, as well as conditions for all-round development. Therefore, the guardianship and guardianship authorities that are involved in the establishment of guardianship must be sure that the prospective guardian meets the necessary requirements:
- legal capacity ;
- material guarantees ;
- adequate living conditions ;
- moral and psychological preparedness ;
- stable social status .
A reference for a person seeking guardianship may be submitted either from the place of work or residence of the proposed guardian.
What are the guardianship authorities guided by when establishing guardianship
Guardianship of a minor can only be registered at the child's place of residence and only for one person.
The spouse of the guardian must also meet the requirements for a positive decision.
Reason for refusal may be:
- presence of certain chronic, mental and oncological diseases ;
- criminal record ;
- low income ; nine0015
- poor living conditions ;
- restriction in parental rights or in the rights of a guardian.
How to correctly draw up a reference for a guardian
There is no single sample required for drawing up this document to the guardianship and guardianship authorities. However, there are points necessary for its competent compilation. They include:
- Details of the guardianship authority .
- Information about the potential guardian .
- Personal characteristics of the person seeking guardianship.
- Details of the issuer of the document .
The document can be issued in both written and printed form. Reliability of information is the main requirement in its preparation. You can get acquainted with a sample characteristic from an educational institution here.
For the provision of false information, you will have to answer in accordance with applicable law.
Job reference
Job reference is made by an employee of the HR department or the head of the organization. The document must contain:
- Data of the guardian .
- Professional information (education, refresher courses).
- Length of service in the organization .
- Position and duties.
- Personal characteristics of citizen. nine0015
The document must be certified by the signature of the head and the seal of the organization. If there are witnesses, their signatures must also be placed at the end of the document.
A sample document can be downloaded from the link.
Characteristics from the place of residence
Characteristics from the place of residence is drawn up quite rarely and is usually attached as an additional document to the document from work. It helps to get an idea about the personal qualities of a citizen, about the climate within the family, about his relationship with society (neighbors). nine0003
Such a document can be drawn up by the Council of MKD, HOA, district police or neighbors. It is certified by the persons who make it up, in the amount of at least three people (neighbors). You can view a sample here.
Characteristics for the guardian's family
Characteristics for the family is compiled by the educational institution where the ward is studying, the guardian's employer or a social organization. Standard items include:
- Personal details of each family member . nine0015
- Place of study or work .
- Personal characteristics of all family members .
- Psychological climate of the family .
The main requirements for its preparation are objectivity and a detailed description of the material component of the family, relationships between its members, as well as a separate description of each family member. The specification sheet can be found at the link.
Characteristics of a ward from an educational organization
In order to obtain custody of a child, in addition to the characteristics of the guardian, the characteristics of the custodian from the place of his education are also required in order to assess the psychological, personal and mental development of the child. The document is drawn up in any form, but the following items must be present in it:
- Personal data of the child .
- Progress , diligence, attentiveness, obedience, diligence of the child.
- Personal characteristics .
- Participation in social, sports, cultural life of educational institution.
The document is signed by the class teacher and director of the educational institution. A sample specification can be downloaded from the link.
Thus, the characteristics of potential guardians, especially positive ones, can play a decisive role in establishing custody of a child.
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Rules for writing a letter of recommendation + step by step instructions
The need to write emails is one of the least favorite activities for many. The reason, as a rule, is that people do not know where to start and how to write such a letter. In this article, we understand what a letter of recommendation is and how to write it.
What is a letter of recommendation
A letter of recommendation (or recommendation) is a document designed to add weight to an application for employment or university admission.
They are usually written by a supervisor, colleague, teacher, or human resources officer. nine0003
Who needs letters of recommendation
- Students
Students need referrals because admissions officers want to better understand who they are as a person and gain information that grades and exam results don't.
- For positions where a letter of recommendation is required
For most job applications, a written resume and cover letter is more than sufficient. However, some companies will only consider candidates who provide a letter of recommendation in addition to these basic elements. nine0003
- To increase your chances
If your resume and cover letter are not convincing enough, a letter of recommendation can help you get a job. A good recommendation from a previous employer can turn the tide and help you stand out among candidates.
Recommendation is not always given at the workplace .
You can get a recommendation from a person who knows the recommended person well, his professional and personal qualities, range of interests, scientific achievements, and so on. The one who makes the recommendation must have a fairly high authority and recognition in his field of activity, a reputation as a moral person. These are necessary conditions, since we are talking about the objectivity of the assessment. And any organization is interested in qualified and loyal employees. nine0003
Letters of recommendation in business
References are also used in commercial correspondence. At the beginning of cooperation with any company, it is desirable to collect information about the stability of a potential partner, his solvency, the reputation of management, and the like. Many firms, when placing an order with the seller for the first time, send him the names and addresses of several companies with which they cooperate.
If there is any doubt about a potential buyer, the selling firm makes a request for a recommendation.
In such a letter, you should indicate the name of the company about which you need to receive information, the cost of the order made by the company. It should be mentioned that all information received will remain confidential. nine0003
How to write a letter of recommendation
Since a letter of recommendation is an element of business correspondence, it must be drawn up in accordance with the rules and include the following details:
- Title of the document and heading
- Text
- Signature
- Seal (optional)5
- Date
Tips on the structure of a letter of recommendation:
- In the first paragraph of the text of the letter of recommendation, it is worth noting how long you know the person to whom you are giving a recommendation, who you are to him. If this is your employee, then you need to indicate the duration of his work in your organization, the duties he performs, list the projects in which he took part, the effectiveness of the activity and the results achieved.
At the end of the paragraph, you can summarize everything that has been said and express your opinion regarding the recommended specialist. nine0269 - In the second paragraph, describe the person in more detail in terms of their professional skills: the ability to perform certain tasks, the role in teamwork, the manifestation of both positive and negative qualities.
- In the next paragraph, one should dwell on personal skills and behaviors: the impression that a person makes when communicating and interacting with other members of the team, responsibility, loyalty, goodwill, and the like. In conclusion, let us know if you have any comments regarding the suitability of the person you recommend for the position for which he is applying: definitely recommend, with some reservations, do not recommend. This is worth doing, because by writing a letter of recommendation, you express your willingness to bear some responsibility for the person you recommend. nine0269
- At the end of a letter of recommendation, your contact details are usually indicated: phone number, e-mail address.
Please note that a recommendation does not have to be a eulogy. If you sincerely want to support a person, then it would be wiser to tactfully point out his shortcomings and thereby prevent possible misunderstandings. You can also give advice in such a letter - in which position the best qualities of the employee may turn out and certain shortcomings will not matter. nine0003
There is another type of recommendations - the so-called closed ones. They contain negative information about the applicant. If you think that a person does not meet the requirements for applicants for a position, then you need to say so. This type of recommendation letter may contain tips for correcting the situation, especially when it comes to professional qualities.
Sample letter of recommendation
Letter of recommendation for employment
Letter of recommendation
Dear Alexandra,
Having partnered with Yuri Klimin at Solnyshko for the past five years, I have been amazed by his creative problem solving skills and willingness to go the extra mile to create a product that fulfills the client's vision.
into reality.
Yuri is directly responsible for increasing customer retention and I know for a fact that his reputation and engagement has helped the company win some big new customers. nine0290
As a colleague, Yuri is a savvy and experienced professional who includes everything from 10 years of management experience to expert knowledge of Illustrator and Photoshop. In addition, I must say that his humor and positive attitude towards life make it much easier to work with him even in difficult times for the team.
I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about his specific skills and experience.
Thank you and all the best,
Grigory Polishchuk
Head of personnel department of Solnyshko LLC
07/17/2019
Letter
Recommended letter
9000 Katyusastroy company is a partners construction for 8 years.
During this time, LLC "KatyushaStroy" has shown its ability to approach the tasks with full responsibility, to perform work efficiently and on time.
A distinctive feature of the company's work is high professionalism, organization of the company's employees and honesty. nine0290
We recommend KatyushaStroy LLC as a reliable and stable business partner.
General Director
LLC Unicorerics
Grigoryan Alexander Vasilievich
How to write a letter ofemer: step -by -step instructions with examples
Now, when we sorted out all the general details, the time came to write down, came to the spelling. the letter itself. Following these steps will help you create a compelling letter of recommendation that can be a powerful investment in your ex-colleague's employment. nine0003
Step 1: A polite, personal greeting
Greetings when you first meet have a huge impact on your first impression. How you address someone in a letter matters just as much. Thus, to start a letter well, it is important to use a polite and personable greeting.
For example: Dear + Recipient Name (Dear Catherine)
If you don't know the recipient's name , you should still make the greeting as personable as possible.
You should still try to address the person directly and make your message more personalized. This will draw attention and show that you are prepared. nine0003
For example: Dear + Recipient Title (Dear Dean)
How to write to the organization
When addressing the board of directors, for example, the same principles should be followed. The only difference is that the name of the recipient must be replaced by the name of the group or organization.
For example: Dear + Name of group or organization (Dear Board of Directors)
Step 2: important first sentence
The first sentence of your recommendation is the most important because it sets the tone for the entire letter. nine0003
Look at a few phrases that can be used as an example:
- I am happy to recommend ...
- I have no doubt about the recommendations ...
- I sincerely recommend ...
By comparison, a general, unenthusiastic sentence such as “ I am writing in regards to a recommendation for… ” sounds more boring and weak.
Step 3: Why You Can Be Trusted
The rest of the introductory paragraph should be devoted to describing who you are and what your relationship is with the person you are referring to. This is an important step because it highlights the relevance of the letter. If you know the candidate for a long period of time and are able to appreciate their strengths, the value of your letter increases. nine0003
What to write about:
- Your position and company
- In the role of whom you know the recommended person
- How long have you known him
When you include these details at the beginning of the letter, the reader immediately understands where and how well you know recommended person. This context makes everything that will be written after much more weighty.
Step 4: Some Praise
End the introduction with a phrase that will highlight some of the candidate's strengths or personality traits. nine0003
For example:
- Over the course of several years, I have watched Vitaliy become a highly qualified specialist who stands out for his broad outlook and exceptional responsibility.
- Olga has always been an outstanding member of our team and I have always been impressed by her professionalism and wonderful personal qualities.
Step 5: Demonstrate Professionalism
The first body paragraph should begin by mentioning 2-3 specific skills, talents, or experiences that are relevant to the applicant's desired position. nine0003
It is imperative that these items are accompanied by detailed and descriptive examples of the accomplishments of the recommended person that confirm the aforementioned abilities.
Look at the difference between the following examples:
| No details | Specific and detailed |
| Victor is excellent at project management. | Victor's deep knowledge of the Agile methodology helped him increase the number of projects completed on time by 20%. nine0290 |
The second example is more persuasive and demonstrates the professional achievements of the recommended person, which may influence the decision to hire.
When recruiters see examples of this kind, they are more likely to want to hire such a person in their company.
Step 6: Personal Qualities
The next body paragraph should focus on 2-3 positive personality traits of the recommended person - especially those that would be useful for the position for which he is applying. nine0003
One of the main reasons some companies ask for letters of recommendation is because they want a more holistic understanding of the candidate as an individual. Thus, one listing of professional successes is not enough. It is necessary to pay attention to personal qualities.
When describing personal characteristics, try to also use examples that demonstrate one or another of your statements.
For example:
| No details | Specifically and in detail |
| Olga is an honest and decent person. | Olga demonstrated her honesty and integrity at the difficult stages of financial work on the project. |
If you're having trouble finding compelling language to describe your personality, here are some ideas:0014 Resourcefulness
The most important thing in writing this part of the letter of recommendation is to make sure that you prove with specific and detailed examples that the applicant possesses those qualities.
Step 7: Explain why the applicant is leaving (optional)
This part is only relevant if you need to write a letter of recommendation for employment purposes. This section should only be included in a letter of recommendation for an employee if the reason for leaving your company is neutral or positive. nine0003
A few examples of reasons that can be mentioned in a letter of recommendation:
- Moving for family reasons
- Growth opportunities available in the addressee's company
- Medical reasons
it is better to exclude this section from the letter entirely.
Step 8: Call to Action
Start your closing paragraph by repeating your positive recommendation and emphasizing the value of the recommendation to the recipient. nine0003
For example:
- I have no doubt that Victor will be an invaluable asset to your team.
- I firmly believe that Olga is exactly the specialist you are looking for.
Finally, ask the reader to contact you if they have any questions.
Step 9: Sign politely
Closing your letter should be formal and polite:
- Regards
- Best regards
- All the best
- Have a nice day
A warm and friendly tone is trustworthy, but avoid being overly informal. You must remain respectful.
Conclusion
When you have to write a letter of recommendation to someone, first of all weigh the pros and cons. If you know a person well and for a long time and consider him worthy of your support, then feel free to recommend.
