Some parents worry that once their custody order is set it can never change.
Fortunately, parents can get their custody order modified if the need arises.
Here's some help for figuring out how to get a child custody modification.
1.
Decide what needs to be modified.
There are a lot of different reasons why a parent would want to change the custody order.
Usually, the parent has a change of circumstances that the custody order needs to address.
Like, if a mother or father has a job change the their work hours are different.
Perhaps the current custody arrangement won't work with the new schedule.
Or, maybe a custodial parent has been dropping off the kids at the non-custodial parent's house almost every day for the last six months.
The non-custodial parent decides that they want to seek full custody of the children.
Or, the child could be entering a new stage in life and the old custody order needs tweaking to accommodate them.
Once the reason has been determined, the parent can decide what changes in the order are necessary.
Some of the changes may be small.
A parent with a job change can simply rearrange the visitation schedule.
Some of the changes are very big and require a lot of planning and preparation.
A parent seeking custody falls under this category.
Whatever the change, write out a plan with the proposed change.
2.
Talk with the other parent.
If the parent seeking the change talks to the other parent and the other parent agrees to the change, it is very easy to modify the custody order.
When both parents agree on the change they merely fill out some papers and file it with the court.
To help the other parent understand exactly what you're asking, present your change and the reason for the change.
Remain calm and be willing to answer questions.
If you've really thought through the plan you should have some good answers.
Help the other parent see how the change benefits the children.
3.
Proceed to court if necessary.
If the other parent doesn't agree--like in the case of a parent seeking full custody--the parent wanting modification needs to file some papers at court and prepare to present the case in court.
The judge will want to know how the proposed modification benefits the child.
The parent can also explain how if the change doesn't happen, the child will be harmed.
A parent should be very prepared for this meeting.
Courts are reluctant to grant big modifications to custody orders because they want the children to have stability.
You must have documentation and evidence that the change you want really is the best.
Big custody modifications are only allowed by the courts every few years.
This is to keep the children in a more consistent living situation.
If you are worried about the safety of your child, you can file an emergency modification and a judge will hear your case soon and make a temporary decision.
If this is the case, be prepared to show evidence that your child is in danger.
Parents should be constantly seeking to implement the best custody order for their children.
Whether they need a new custody order for a change in work schedules or the child's development, they should work to get the best situation for the children.
Hopefully the parents can work together or go through the courts to make this happen.