It’s very important to follow a child custody order after it’s been handed down. But that doesn’t mean that you have no options if you feel that the order doesn’t fit your life any longer. You can request for the court to modify the order, changing your obligations.
There are many potential reasons to do this. Let’s look at a few of the most common ones below.
Relocation
To begin with, many people seek to modify a child custody arrangement if they relocate or move to a different town or even a different state. The original custody order will likely no longer work, so they can seek a modification to change the schedule and share custody rights over a greater distance.
Changes in the child’s needs
Additionally, life could change for the child moving forward. A teenager has vastly different needs and desires than a toddler, but parents who get divorced with young children may have to alter the arrangement as they go through both stages. Additionally, the child could develop a health condition or special needs that have to be addressed.
Changes in job schedules
For parents, one thing that sometimes triggers a modification is getting a different job. The child custody arrangement may have worked with their previous work schedule, but now they need to make alterations based on their new schedule. For instance, someone who takes a job working second shift may need a new schedule to see the child in the morning.
In all of these situations, it’s very important to know exactly what legal steps to take to make an official modification. It can help to work with an experienced law firm.