Child Custody Modification
Child Visitation Schedule
After a judge grants a custody order, either you or the other parent may want to modify the order for various reasons. If you wish to change the custody order, you must show that there has been a “change in circumstances” since the initial custody order was made and a new custody and visitation arrangement is needed. The judge will only modify the custody order in accordance to the changed circumstances if doing so would be in the best interest of your child.
Changed circumstances could include, but are not limited to the following:
- You or the other parent relocates and makes it difficult for continuing contact with your child;
- Scheduling conflicts with work or school;
- As your child grows older, his or her needs, interests, and activities change;
- The well-being of your child is threatened due to child abuse or substance abuse by you or the other parent;
- You or the other parent has a new family.
It is important to remember that a judge will only modify a custody order if it is in the best interest of your child. The courts always prefer a stable and consistent custody arrangement for your child. Thus, courts will modify custody orders, if possible, in order to maintain consistent contact with both parents.
Once the judge agrees to modify the initial custody order, the judge will sign a new court order.
Child Custody Modification Agreement
Child custody modification agreement
If you and the other parent agreed on a parenting plan, you may need to renegotiate different portions of the agreement every so often. If you and the other parent can agree on the changes, you do not need to go to court. You only need to write a new parenting agreement.
But if you cannot agree on the changes of the parenting agreement with the other parent, then you or the other parent may request the court for a modification of the current custody and visitation order. In certain situations, courts would require you and the other parent to meet with a mediator before the court hearing. Courts hope that parents can reach an agreement with the help of a mediator.
Child Custody Modification Attorney
When parents decide to separate, child custody is a very important issue. The process of agreeing on a custody and visitation arrangement is long, difficult and complex. If you are fighting for custody of your child, you need an attorney with knowledge and experience in child custody cases. The skilled child custody lawyers at Wallin & Klarich are the professional attorneys you can rely on. We have dealt with child custody cases for over 30 years. You can rely on our promise to work hard to achieve the best possible result in your case.
With offices located throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties, there is a Wallin & Klarich lawyer available wherever you happen to live. To speak with a Wallin & Klarich child custody attorney today, please call us at (888) 749-7428. We will be there when you call.