Common reasons for judges to modify child custody orders

On Behalf of The Law Offices of Joseph H. Nivin, P.C. 

Child custody arrangements happen when the parents of minors dissolve their marriages. Divorce courts consider many factors when determining the most favorable situation.

When an order becomes official, it tends to feel final. That said, there are many reasons why a judge may eventually want to alter an original agreement.

Parent relocation

When one parent moves far away from another, there is likely to be a significant impact. Traveling to maintain the current courtroom order may become overly burdensome. To compensate, alterations in scheduling are often justifiable.

Child need

The stages of childhood development are rapid. What could seem appropriate at a particular time may no longer be sensible. It might become clear that one school system provides a better fit than another. When a doctor identifies a developmental delay, it warrants proximity to psychological professionals.

Parent situation

A mother or father could overcome a problem that triggered receiving less time with a child. Noncustodial parents might escape a struggle with addiction. Persistent depression could vanish with appropriate treatment. Courts weigh the conquering of these types of personal hurdles.

Child endangerment

Physical, sexual and psychological abuse remain intolerable. Information sometimes surfaces that suggests a parent is putting a juvenile at risk. Courts typically rush toward corrective actions when evidence of such behavior appears.

Family courts try to be responsive in the face of situational changes. Still, they only act once they become aware of relevant factors. How one presents the reasons for a modification has a way of affecting the results.

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