During a divorce, parents must establish a child custody arrangement. Parents should develop these arrangements with the best interests of the child in mind to ensure their future well-being.
However, situations can change over time, which means even solid plans may require a modification to the existing custody order.
Relocation
One common reason for seeking child custody modification is when one parent decides to move to a different city, state or even country. This relocation can disrupt the child’s access to both parents, making it necessary to revisit the custody arrangement to accommodate the new circumstances.
Child’s preference
Courts often consider the child’s wishes, especially if they are mature enough to express a reasonable preference. As children grow older, their preferences and needs may change. This factor becomes more significant as the child reaches adolescence.
Parental reluctance to cooperate
A parent can also request a modification if the other parent consistently undermines the visitation or custody rights. Remember that courts expect both parents to cooperate and facilitate a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent.
Change in work schedule
Employment is important to provide for one’s family and shifts in work schedules can impact a parent’s ability to fulfill their custody obligations. In such cases, adjustments may be necessary to ensure the child’s needs are adequately met.
Violation of court orders
Once parents develop an agreement, they must uphold the terms they agreed to. Repeated violations of the existing custody order, such as consistently late drop-offs or missed visits, may necessitate a modification to enforce the order more effectively.
According to Forbes, 38% of women and 18.7% of men were at the helm of single-parent families in 2022. For these and other divorced individuals, developing a dependable child custody plan is key to maintaining happiness and stability.
