How to Write a Letter Requesting Custody
Writing a letter to request custody of a child is much stronger than a verbal request. The letter also serves as proof of your intent, so be sure to keep a copy for your records. If you aren't used to writing letters, it is a good idea to start with a draft, then leave it for a day or so before you edit and type a final copy. A typed letter is more businesslike than a handwritten one. Follow the structure of a business letter when you are writing to request custody.
Instructions
Take some time and make a list of the reasons why you are the best person to have custody of the child. Review the list and rank the points in order of importance. Use the list as an outline to help you write the letter. Use the block format. In this style, all text starts flush left so you don't have to worry about indenting. The structure of the letter is: your address, the date, the inside address -- which is the same as the envelope -- the salutation, the body of the letter and the closing. Leave a line between each section. Pick the right salutation. If you are writing to, say, the child's grandmother, it would be "Dear Mrs. Hughes,". If, however, you are writing to the court to request custody, the correct salutation is "To the Presiding Judge." Be direct. State your case, "I am writing to request custody of Jesse Parker." In the rest of the introductory paragraph, sketch in the reasons that you will flesh out in more detail in the body of the letter. Think of it as signposts that tell your reader what to expect. Start with the main point of why you are requesting custody. State your reasons in clear, easy-to-understand language and maintain a firm, but businesslike tone. Avoid getting emotional, as it will lower the tone of your request letter. Follow your outline. Remember that when you change ideas, you have to change paragraphs. So if you are talking about how you can support the child and then need to switch to how there is a better school in your town, leave a line and start a new paragraph. Give concrete examples of why you are the right person to have custody. Provide anecdotes such as "When Susie stayed with me for two months last summer, she told everyone that she had never been happier. Further, she made some friends, so she is already accepted in the neighborhood." Close the letter with "Sincerely," or "Yours sincerely," followed by a comma. Leave three or four lines so you have room to sign your name and then type your name. Indicate if you are sending a copy of the letter to anyone else with "CC' and then listing the person's name. If you are writing to the court to request custody, send a copy of the letter to other people who need to know. Leave your draft alone for at least 24 hours. Check it against your original list to make sure you didn't forget a point you wanted to raise. Read the letter aloud and assess the content and tone. Edit any typographical or grammatical errors and type a final copy. Sign the letter and mail it.
