Some custody orders are detailed and flexible enough to manage co-parenting obligations until the minor children in the family become adults. Other times, a custody order may eventually not fully meet a family’s needs, especially if the order has been in place for multiple years.
Changes in the family unit or to household schedules can lead to regular disputes about the need to reschedule parenting time or make other adjustments. Parents sometimes need to go back to the family court in Virginia to formally change or modify their custody orders. When is the right time to modify an existing custody order?
When family circumstances change significantly
A significant change in household circumstances is usually necessary to justify a Virginia custody modification request. Parents who have accepted new jobs or started new relationships could require a modification because they intend to combine households with a new spouse or their daily schedule is about to change dramatically.
Move-away scenarios and medical challenges as well as instances of abuse or neglect may also make a custody modification necessary. Parents may be able to agree on specific changes and file uncontested custody modifications.
Either parent can petition the court to modify an existing custody order if they have evidence of a significant change in circumstances. Regardless of the approach, the changes in the custody order should help parents share their responsibilities and minimize the opportunities for conflict.
Having experienced legal guidance when seeking a custody order modification can help parents do what is best for their children. Outdated custody orders can be a source of stress and conflict, and modifications can help improve the dynamic between co-parents.
