When parents divorce, one of the major family matters that needs to be resolved is child custody. Child custody can help maintain each parent’s role in their child’s life.
An arrangement can organize how often each parent is responsible for caring for their child and what they are obligated to do for their child’s upbringing. For example, many child custody arrangements will split custody time evenly and instruct parents to take their children to school and doctor appointments.
Child custody arrangements often need to change as a child grows to meet new needs. A court will, typically, agree to a new arrangement if parents can agree on a modified custody arrangement. However, if parents can not agree to a change, then a parent may need to attend a court hearing and talk to a judge. Here are a few reasons a judge would agree to a custody change:
Why would a judge allow modifications to a custody arrangement?
If a parent wants to alter a custody arrangement, they either need their co-parent’s consent or a judge’s approval. One common reason to alter an existing arrangement is when a custodial parent moves. A parent may want to move a far distance, such as to another city or state, for job or housing reasons. However, this distance between the child’s parents could make it harder for each of them to meet their parental obligations. Parents may negotiate to have more physical custody time to reduce the traveling costs.
Another reason to alter a custody arrangement is because a parent is not meeting their obligations. The parent who is following the arrangement may request more custody rights or enforcement of the arrangement.
Legal guidance can help parents explore their custody arrangement options and revise an existing parenting plan to something more useful.
