Plans always change, even child custody plans. Parents may thoroughly discuss child custody arrangements during a divorce only to have to make changes later. However, making changes to child custody arrangements is not always easy. Parents may need to go to court to show that there are substantial changes in circumstances that affect their child’s best interests.
What are substantial changes in circumstances? How do parents show a court that there are substantial changes in their lives? Here is what you should know:
3 examples of substantial change in circumstances
Substantial changes in circumstances mean that a parent’s or child’s situation has changed, which has affected a child’s well-being. Having evidence of this substantial change can help parents modify custody arrangements. Here are a few examples of substantial changes:
- Relocation: A parent may have to move because they changed jobs, found better housing or have to care for their relatives. This move could distance one parent from the other, making it harder for parents to travel and exchange custody of their child, especially for parents who rotate custody every week. Parents may need to discuss a new custody schedule that allows parents more time with their child and less time traveling.
- Change in daily schedule: A parent’s daily work or school schedule may suddenly change, conflicting with a child custody schedule. Because they can not control their work or school schedule, they may request a new custody schedule that fits their needs.
- Medical conditions: A parent may be experiencing an illness that makes it harder for them to care for their child. A custody schedule may need to change so a parent has less custody time but some visitation hours. Alternatively, a child may develop a medical condition and need to spend more time with a parent who can care for their needs.
Discussing these changes with a judge can be difficult. Professional legal guidance can help parents make changes to their custody arrangements.