How often children live with their parents after a divorce depends on the custody schedule. Parents may rotate custody of their child every day, week or month so that each parent is part of their child’s life. Custody schedules are often made in consideration of each parent’s work or school schedules and other important events.
Over time, parents may need to alter a child custody schedule. However, a court may need to decide whether a new custody schedule is in the best interests of a child. In some cases, parents may need to prove to a court that there are significant changes in circumstances to alter a custody schedule. Here is what you should know:
What are the significant changes in circumstances?
A child’s safety, stability and welfare are, typically, the top priority for courts. There are many considerations before a court approves a child custody modification, such as a child’s needs and health. If parents want to update a custody schedule, they may need to prove there are significant changes that could impact their child’s best interests.
Some common reasons parents seek custody schedule modifications include:
- A parent’s new work schedule conflicts with custody days
- A parent is moving across state lines
- A child has developed serious medical conditions or requires special daily care
- A child has developed new needs with age
- A parent is showing signs of substance abuse, domestic violence or neglect
- A parent is refusing to share custody
Parents may need to reach out for professional legal help to learn how they can alter a child custody schedule.
