Sometimes, a child custody or visitation order becomes impractical or inappropriate. In these situations, you may be able to change the terms and conditions of the order. However, you must meet specific rules and requirements before your custody or visitation order will be modified.
When parents cannot agree on custody rights, the courts will issue a custody order that is in the child’s best interest. Generally speaking, there are two primary types of child custody:
Typically, courts award joint legal custody (although sole legal custody is awarded in some situations). Physical custody is not always evenly shared. Instead, one parent may have primary physical custody of the child. The other parent is entitled to visitation—which may be either supervised or unsupervised.
Once a child visitation order is issued, both parents must follow its terms. However, as time passes, child custody and visitation orders may become overly burdensome or inappropriate. For example, the child’s needs or wishes may change. Or, a parent may relocate out of state, making visitation difficult. In these situations, an order can be modified.
To modify a custody order, you must file a petition to modify with the court. Custody and visitation orders may be modified if:
However, courts are limited in their ability to modify custody orders. In some states, there is a waiting period before modification is permitted.
Typically, you cannot modify a custody order without evidence of a significant change in circumstances. Examples of sufficiently changed circumstances include:
Once the court receives a petition to modify a custody order, it will determine what is in the best interest of the child. (Modifications are made only when the current order is no longer in a child’s best interest.)
It is important that you request modification of a custody order only when necessary. If you can negotiate a voluntary modification with the other parent, you may avoid costly legal fees. And, if the court determines that your petition is without merit, you may be responsible for the other parent’s legal fees and costs.
If your child’s other parent violates the custody order, you may have grounds to modify the arrangement. However, it is important that document his or her violations. You should:
However, you should never retaliate against the other parent (for example, by violating the custody order yourself). You also should not badmouth the other parent in front of your child. (Courts sometimes consider a parent’s hostility when awarding or modifying custody.)
Because parenting time is valuable, child custody disputes can become emotionally charged. A lot is at stake, and it may be in your best interest to hire a lawyer. A child custody lawyer can help you negotiate with the other parent, file a petition for modification, and present a compelling case on your behalf. (To learn more about potential legal costs, see our article on child custody lawyers’ fees.)
Last Modified: 03-06-2018 01:17 AM PST
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