There are a multitude of scenarios in which you may experience a change in circumstances in life. Perhaps you wish to move closer to family or need to relocate due to a change in employment; in some cases, a similar decision could be as simple as finding a new place to live.
For parents with existing child custody agreements in place, the process may rarely be so easy. However, the change may still be necessary, and a modification to the original parenting plan could even prove beneficial to everyone else involved.
Seeking to modify a parenting plan
You might be able to reach a new arrangement by communicating your needs with the other parent. However, if the two of you cannot come to an agreement, you may choose to turn to the court, and some scenarios where this could become necessary can include the following:
- Needs of the kids: The court generally considers the needs of the kids to be of the utmost importance, and if the proposed changes are in their best interests, modification may be necessary.
- Need to relocate: When seeking to relocate to a different area, the court will require a parent to provide sufficient reason for the move. In addition, the court may also take other factors into consideration, such as the length of the move and how it will affect scheduled visitations.
- Violation of agreement: If one parent constantly refuses to adhere to the terms of the agreement for unjust reasons, the other may wish to petition the court for modification.
- Safety concerns: In situations where a parent feels as though the safety and well-being of his or her kids is in jeopardy, changes to the original agreement may become necessary.
In some cases, the death of a custodial parent can also prompt a need to revisit the original agreement. Regardless of the circumstances you face, if the change is necessary, it may be in your best interests to consult with someone with experience in Florida state child custody laws for advice on how to proceed.
Pursuing the necessary changes
When negotiating the initial parenting agreement, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to cover every possible scenario. However, change is a part of life, and should it become necessary to revisit your custody agreement and make modifications, seeking guidance on how to navigate the process could prove invaluable. By obtaining advice early on, you could become better prepared to pursue the required modifications through the necessary channels.