Quality time with children is invaluable to most parents.  Perhaps this is why child custody and visitation issues are often the most vigorously fought battles in family court.  Once child custody orders are made, whether it’s a decision agreed upon by both sides, or a ruling by the court after a trial, that order will remain in place until a new order is made.

Under California Law, a person may request a change or modification to an existing child custody order.  Assuming the parties can not reach an agreement regarding the requested change, a new order from the court must replace the previous order.

The courts always encourage the parties to try to reach an agreement on issues without the court’s intervention, however when the court is require to intervene, the standard the court uses in determining if a change is appropriate is: whether there has been significant change of circumstances, and whats in the best interest of the child.

Each case is different, and the court will evaluate the facts of each case to determine whether a change in an a child custody order is appropriate.  The court will examine whether there has been a significant change in circumstances to warrant a change, if that change would be in the best interests of the child or children.

Speaking with an experienced, knowledgeable family law attorney is the best to way to determine whether or not a change in an existing child custody order would be successful.

Please feel free to contact Wallin & Klarich to discuss your case. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 749-7428.