Do you have a child custody agreement with your co-parent? Have there been issues with the agreement that you wish could stop? Do you believe that altering the agreement could prevent these issues?
It may be possible to change your custody agreement so that you and your child’s needs are met. Before making any changes to the agreement, there are a few steps you may need to take:
Talking with your co-parent about a change
You may be able to discuss with your co-parent why the current child custody agreement is not working. Parents can discuss the current issues with the schedule and plan out a new schedule. A request to a court may be made to make changes to an agreement. Many judges typically approve an alteration if both parents agreement.
Requesting a modification from a judge
If your co-parent does not agree to a change, you may need to file a motion to a court. A judge may not immediately agree to just any change. There are a few common reasons a judge would agree to a modified schedule, including the following:
- A work or school schedule has changed.
- A parent has moved.
- A parent is not following the agreement.
- A child’s needs have changed.
- A parent has developed a medical condition
- There’s a potential case of parental alienation
- A parent’s is unable to parent.
If you’re considering seeking a modification to your current child custody agreement or your co-parent wants or needs a change, it’s wise to get legal guidance. This can help you determine your options and, if necessary, help you make your case to a judge.