When you file for divorce in Florida, the judge presiding over the case will issue a child custody order in the final divorce settlement. Whether you came to a parenting agreement amicably through mediation or the judge determined the custody schedule for you, you are bound to the orders presented in the settlement. The situation, however, may change through the years and your child custody arrangement may need to be altered to adapt to life circumstances. How do you know when it is time to modify your child custody agreement?
If the current child support order no longer meets the best interests of your child, it may be time to reconsider the plan. If you or the other parent has moved to a distant location, it may interrupt the child’s school or activity schedule to continue to the current parenting plan. You may have to rework visitation to account for traveling time and other activities.
Another reason why you may need to modify child custody is if you believe your child is in danger. Domestic violence or abuse is grounds for modification, and immediate action should take place, so the child is not forced to spend time in an unhealthy environment.
When a parent repeatedly avoids their scheduled parenting time or insists upon changing the orders issued in the child custody arrangement may cause a need for modification. It can be difficult dealing with a parent who is uncooperative and consistently changes the dates and times when they will pick up the children.
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.