If you’re worried about your child’s safety and well-being, then you might be wondering what you can do to modify your existing child custody order to better protect them. While there are avenues to successfully change a custody arrangement, many people are either too scared to face the conflict involved, or they simply don’t prepare fully enough to present compelling arguments. Don’t let either of those happen to you and your child.
When can custody be modified?
Pursuant to state law, custody can be modified when there’s been a material change in circumstances. This change must be significant enough that it changes the dynamic of how your child is cared for under the existing custody order.
What sorts of circumstances warrant a modification? Here are some of the most common:
- The existence of abuse or neglect.
- The child’s exposure to parental substance abuse.
- A parent’s untreated mental health.
- Sudden job loss.
- The onset of an unexpected medical condition.
- The presence of domestic violence.
- A change in the child’s preferences.
- Parental relocation.
These are just some of the changes that may warrant a custody modification. What’s important to keep in mind is that any request to modify custody is going to be viewed through a particular lens, that being your child’s best interests. So, as you work to build your arguments, keep in mind how your position best supports your child’s health, safety, and well-being.
Don’t leave your child custody modification to chance
With so much on the line in your custody modification request, you owe it to your child to present the strongest arguments possible under the circumstances. That’s why now is the time to start preparing your case. If you wait too long or haphazardly throw together your arguments, then you could put your request and your child’s future at risk.
