Custody papers provide legal proof that a parent or guardian has rights to possession of a minor child and/or the ability to make decisions as the child's guardian. These papers must be approved by the court to have legal standing. A parent can fill out child custody forms and file these papers with the local family court. The court can then schedule a hearing regarding custody. The other parent must be served with a copy of these custody papers immediately. If possible, both parents should agree on the terms of custody before the papers are filed. If they do not, the court may order them to attend mediation where a third party will help them make a decision. Or, a judge may dictate who has custody. It is vital for each parent to keep their custody papers in a safe place. In the event that a parent abducts his or her child during visitation, these are the documents that must be presented to law enforcement by the other parent to start the process of retrieving the child.