A child custody schedule gives divorced parents a guide that helps navigate the amount of time each parent has with their child. Child custody schedules are originally created based on the availability and custody rights of parents. Parents can exchange custody every few days, weeks or months, depending on their and their child’s needs.
Over time, a custody schedule may require modifications to meet new needs. However, parents may need to seek approval from a judge before altering a custody schedule. A judge may approve a custody schedule modification if parents can demonstrate that there are “significant changes in circumstances.” Here is what you should know:
What are significant changes in circumstances?
Parents may need to prove to a judge that a modified custody schedule would be in a child’s best interests. A judge may ask parents to have proof that significant changes in circumstances are impacting a child’s well-being. Here are a few possible grounds for a custody modification:
- Moving out of state: The distance between parents after one or both of them move may make it difficult for parents to travel frequently and meet the current custody schedule.
- Traveling abroad for work: A parent may not be able to provide the same level of care to their child if the parent starts traveling abroad for work.
Work schedule changes: A parent’s new work schedule may conflict with the current custody schedule. - Change in a child’s needs: As a child grows, they may have new needs that cannot be met with the current custody schedule.
- Criminal charge or neglect: A parent may have been arrested or shown signs of neglect or abuse toward their child, causing the other parent to seek a new custody schedule.
- Refusal to follow a schedule: A parent may be deliberately ignoring a custody schedule, impacting a child’s well-being and disrupting the other parent’s schedule.
Parents can seek legal help to explore their child custody modification options and negotiate changes in court.