# Child visitation question

**URL:** <https://forum.rosen.com/t/child-visitation-question/7915>\
**Category:** Divorce and Separation Answers\
**Created:** [April 2, 2009, 5:55pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/child-visitation-question/7915 "2009-04-02T17:55:04Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![kelfer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a3d4f5/32.png) [@kelfer](https://forum.rosen.com/u/kelfer)\
**Post date:** [April 2, 2009, 5:55pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/child-visitation-question/7915/1 "2009-04-02T17:55:04Z")

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If both parties sign a hand-written (or typed) agreement and have it notarized, will this hold up in court at a later date should one party decide to contest it?

If not, is there a free child visitation mediation service in NC, or would I actually have to hire a laywer?

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**Author:** ![Erin\_Clarey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9de0a6/32.png) [@Erin\_Clarey](https://forum.rosen.com/u/Erin_Clarey)\
**Post date:** [April 3, 2009, 2:16pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/child-visitation-question/7915/2 "2009-04-03T14:16:52Z")

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A separation agreement is enforceable in court, however with respect to custody it is better to have any agreement entered as a court order as court orders are more difficult to change, and easier to enforce.  
Many counties do offer, and require, that parties to a custody lawsuit attend mediation for child custody and visitation, however a lawsuit must be initiated before this service is available.