Custody log template (free): the columns that matter
Updated October 18, 2026 · 3-minute read
A custody log template is a page with the right columns already printed, so writing an entry takes a few seconds. The best templates are short: one line per day or per event, with room for the date, who the children were with, how the exchange went and a short note. Here are the columns that matter, a filled-in example and free printable pages.
The columns that matter
| Column | What to write |
|---|---|
| Date | The day the entry is about. |
| Custody day | Who the children were with: you or the other parent. |
| Exchange | Planned time, actual time, place, and whether it was on time, late, didn't happen or was cancelled with notice. |
| Expense | What for, how much, who paid, and whether you kept the receipt. |
| Notes | Facts only: what happened, where and when. |
A filled-in example
The names and details are made up.
| Date | Entry |
|---|---|
| Sep 14 | With me. Dentist checkup, $85.00, paid by me, receipt kept. |
| Sep 16 | Exchange at school, planned 3:15 PM, on time. With co-parent. |
| Sep 18 | Exchange at home, planned 6:00 PM, arrived 6:35 PM, no message before. With me. |
Tips for using a template
- Keep it where you are at exchange time: in your bag or on your phone.
- Write the line the same day. If you add something later, write the date you added it.
- Leave gaps as gaps instead of guessing.
- Once a month, count the days with each parent, the late or missed exchanges and what is still owed.
Free printable custody log templates
No email, no sign-up. US Letter.
Free printable: custody log template
One page: date, custody day, exchange and notes.
Also free: shared expense log (PDF) · 2026 custody calendar (PDF)
Doing this in CustodyBook
- Log a custody day in one tap.
- Mark exchanges as on time, late, no-show or cancelled with notice. Reports count them for you.
- Export a clean monthly PDF you can share with your lawyer.
- CustodyBook is a private custody log for one parent: the other parent doesn't install or approve anything, and never sees it unless you share it.
CustodyBook makes court-ready PDFs: organized and dated, with edit history and a fingerprint you can verify. Edited later? The PDF says so: "Edited 1×", "Added later", and a change history. A fingerprint on every page. Check any CustodyBook PDF at getcustodybook.com/verify. Nothing is uploaded. The judge decides what is admitted. Not legal advice.
Free for 7 days, then $14.99 once. No subscription. iPhone or Android.