Child custody can be an important ongoing topic and area of concern for divorced couples with children. Parents who share custody or have child custody concerns should be familiar with how child custody is determined and how it may be modified in certain situations.
How to change child custody
If you want to change your child custody arrangement, you should begin by knowing how child custody is determined and then understanding how child custody modifications work. Child custody determinations are based on a host of factors that are used to determine what child custody arrangement is best for the child.
Once a child custody order is in place, you will need to file a petition to request that the family law court modify, or change, the child custody order. To begin with, you will need to demonstrate for the court that the proposed change is still in the best interests of the child. That is why it is valuable to know what factors are used to determine what is best for the child.
Secondly, you will commonly need to show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the final child custody order was established. This could include a change for the parent or child. If the parent has a job change, for example, which requires them to move to another state, they will need to seek permission to relocate with the child.
Child custody modifications can be agreed to but when parents are unable to agree to change, the family law court can help resolve the concerns and decide on a child custody arrangement that is best for the child using a variety of factors to help guide them. Child custody can be complex and emotional, which is why it is helpful to understand how it works and how family law tools can help guide parents through the process.