Document background
A Pre-Birth Custody Agreement is essential in situations where parties wish to establish clear custody arrangements and parental rights before a child's birth in Nigeria. This document is particularly relevant in cases involving planned surrogacy, adoption arrangements, or situations where biological parents are establishing custody terms prior to birth. The agreement must navigate Nigeria's unique legal landscape, which includes consideration of federal laws, state customary laws, and in some regions, Islamic law. While Nigerian law doesn't specifically regulate pre-birth agreements, these documents are structured to comply with existing family law frameworks, including the Child's Rights Act 2003. The agreement typically covers crucial elements such as medical decision-making authority during pregnancy, financial responsibilities, post-birth custody arrangements, and dispute resolution mechanisms. It's important to note that while these agreements demonstrate the parties' intentions, their enforcement may be subject to court review to ensure alignment with the best interests of the child once born.
