Often, the most contentious part of divorce proceedings is settling child custody matters. You and your ex may have finally come to an arrangement and had it signed off by the court.
Nonetheless, life rarely remains static, and you might need to change your child custody order in the future. Is this a possibility?
There must be a legitimate reason
Child custody orders are legally binding agreements. A parent cannot simply choose to ignore them because they disagree with the terms or the terms have become inconvenient. Custody modifications are possible, but they must be approved, and there must be a legitimate reason for the modification request.
Is your ex struggling with addiction?
Your ex may have taken the divorce hard, and there may be other factors in their life that they are struggling to deal with. People who are struggling often turn to drugs and alcohol to find relief. If this becomes an addiction, it could put your child in harm’s way. If you feel like the safety of your child may be in jeopardy, it may be possible for you to request a modification, at least until your ex has managed to overcome their troubles.
Does one parent need to move
Many companies are multinational, and it’s a distinct possibility that one parent needs to move for career reasons. If this is the case and there is a custody arrangement in place, the parent generally cannot just pick up and take off with the children. They would first need to seek approval from the family court.
Usually, it is in the child’s best interests for both parents to remain active in their upbringing. If you’re having difficulties with your current custody arrangement, it may be in your best interests to seek legal guidance and determine your options.
