It takes a lot of time and effort to settle a divorce. While your divorce agreement may have defined the arraignment you have for child custody, you may still have some questions. One important question that parents need to consider is when they should consider modifying their child custody agreement. When a child’s best interests are at stake, here are three times you should look into changing things:
A parent relocates
When the custodial parent moves, the noncustodial parent has the opportunity to pursue a modification. If the relocation causes a major difficulty for the noncustodial parent, or it could negatively affect the children, a judge may grant a modification.
The situation of a parent changes
Life can change things at a moment’s notice for a parent. If these changes impact a parent’s ability to raise their kids, it may be grounds for modification. Common examples of these changes include maintaining sobriety for several years, gaining or losing a job, or moving into a family-friendly home.
The current agreement endangers the child
In any custody agreement, the child’s needs and safety are the top priority. If the custodial parent’s actions are a danger to the child or their home is a threat, it may be time to pursue a modification. Threats to a child’s safety like physically or emotionally abusive parents or their partners, drugs present in the home, or proof of mental health issues can all cause a need for a custody modification.
Confirm your options
If you suspect that you may have grounds for a custody modification, consult your family law attorney. They can help you review your situation to determine if you have grounds for modification. There are many reasons you can change a divorce decree; all you need to do is take the initiative to look into things.
