Free PDF · Word file · no sign-up
Blank custody declaration template (format only).
A printable, editable layout for a written declaration: caption, title, numbered paragraphs, exhibit references, and signature and verification lines. Every line is a [placeholder] for you to replace in your own words. There are no suggested facts and no sample wording. Download the PDF or the Word file. No sign-up, no email.
What’s in the template
Your court’s own form and rules come first. Your state’s court forms and local rules come first; many courts require their own form, a specific first page, pleading paper, page limits, or a notarized affidavit instead of a declaration. Check your court’s forms page or self-help center before you use this layout, and consult a licensed attorney where you live if you can. You are responsible for what you sign.
If your declaration involves abuse or a protective order, safety planning comes first. A draft on a shared phone, computer or cloud account can put you at risk if someone else opens it, and papers filed in a case are usually served on the other party. A local domestic violence advocate or your court’s self-help center can explain how filing and service work where you live and whether your address can be kept confidential. Don’t put a confidential or shelter address on papers that will be served unless your court’s confidential-address process allows it. The domestic violence evidence checklist starts with safety notes.
If you’re in danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788 (thehotline.org).
Page 1 is an instructions page you remove before filing. The blank layout starts on page 2. The same parts are in the PDF and the Word file.
- Caption block[Name of court], [county, district or division, if your court uses one], the parties as your court lists them, and Case No. [__________].
- Title and opening lineDeclaration of [your full name], plus [the title your court uses, if any], and an opening line with [declare / state / the wording your court uses].
- Numbered paragraphsPlaceholders such as [Paragraph topic, in your own words] and [Describe the event in your own words], one topic per paragraph, numbered in one sequence.
- Optional section headings[Section heading, if you use headings], for longer declarations.
- Exhibit references“See Exhibit [Exhibit letter or number], page [page number]” inside a paragraph, and a short exhibit list: exhibit, short description, paragraph(s), pages.
- Signature and verification[Use the exact declaration/verification wording your court requires], Signed on [Date] at [place], a signature line, [Printed full name], and a contact-details placeholder with an address-confidentiality note.
- Before-you-sign checklistOn the instructions page: court form checked, every paragraph in your own words, every exhibit reference matched, court wording used, every [bracket] replaced.
How to use the layout
Formatting tips only. They don’t say what to write, file or argue, or how a court will see anything; your court’s rules and a licensed attorney where you live can answer that.
- Start with your court’s form.If your court has its own declaration form or required first page, use it. This layout is for courts that accept a typed declaration.
- Caption fields.Fill in the caption placeholders using the labels and information your court’s forms and local rules use for your case.
- Numbered paragraphs.The layout uses one topic per paragraph and one continuous numbering sequence.
- Exhibit reference fields.The layout has in-paragraph exhibit placeholders and an exhibit list table. Use whatever exhibit labeling your court’s rules require.
- Use your court’s verification wording.Replace the signature placeholder with the exact wording your court requires; it varies from court to court.
- Remove every bracket.Replace or delete each [placeholder], and remove the instructions page before you sign.
More free guides and templates
- How to structure a custody declaration: common layout parts (caption, paragraphs, exhibits, signature block).
- How to format court documents: captions, margins and page numbers.
- How to write an affidavit for family court: format notes, if your court requires a notarized affidavit.
- How to label exhibits for court, plus free exhibit cover sheets.
- Custody evidence tracker: a free spreadsheet to keep each item dated and findable.
Questions about the custody declaration template
What is a custody declaration format?
It is the layout a written declaration usually follows: a caption with the court name, case number and parties, a title, numbered paragraphs, references to any attached exhibits, and a signature and verification block. This file shows that layout with [placeholders] only. It has no suggested facts or wording, and it doesn’t say what to include, file or argue.
Is this an official court form?
No. It is a general layout, not a court-approved form. Your state’s court forms and local rules come first, and many courts require their own form or first page for declarations in family cases. Check your court’s forms page or self-help center before you use this layout.
Is the declaration template free?
Yes. The PDF and the Word file are free downloads with no signup and no email. The Word file opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages and LibreOffice.
What wording goes above the signature?
That depends on your court. Penalty-of-perjury and verification wording varies from court to court, and some courts require a notarized affidavit instead of a declaration. The template leaves a placeholder: [Use the exact declaration/verification wording your court requires]. Copy that wording from your court’s own forms or rules, or ask a licensed attorney where you live.
Is my information uploaded anywhere?
No. These are blank files you download. What you type stays in the file on your device unless you choose to save it to a cloud service. If someone else can open your phone, computer or cloud account, keep drafts somewhere only you can reach.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a formatting template. It doesn’t tell you what to write, file or argue, or how a court will view anything. You are responsible for what you sign. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed attorney where you live.
A formatting template, not legal advice and not a court form. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed attorney where you live. More free downloads are on the free templates page.
Custody CommanderKeep your dates and exhibits in one place.
The template gives you the layout; the words stay yours. Keeping dates and exhibit numbers straight across many paragraphs is the slow part. The free Custody Commander plan keeps each file and its details together in one case file: up to 10 evidence items and 1 GB of storage, where you can date, describe, tag and search each item, and download a numbered PDF list (watermarked on the free plan) to check your exhibit references against. It includes 6 one-time AI actions to try the tools (not monthly), needs no card and never expires. Paid plans add unlimited evidence items and exports without the watermark.
Free plan with no card, or try Full Suite free for 7 days (card required; cancel before it ends and you pay nothing, otherwise it renews at the price shown before you confirm). Self-help software, not legal advice. It does not write, review or file your declaration.