There may be a multitude of essential components involved with pursuing a child custody agreement that focuses on the interests of your child. While you might have put great effort into reaching an agreement that aligns with what is best for your child’s future, what happens if the needs of those involved change with time?
A change in life circumstances could disrupt visitation schedules and prompt a need to revisit and seek changes to the initial custody agreement. Knowing some valid reasons to pursue modifications to a child custody agreement could help you better prepare to protect your interests and the needs of your child.
Possible reasons
While you might be able to pursue changes simply by speaking to the other parent, sometimes it might be up to the court to address the situation. A New Jersey court might not approve such requests on a whim, and some valid reasons to pursue modifications may include:
- Parent relocation: Relocation is a common example of a reason to pursue modifications to a custody agreement. Valid reasons for relocation could range from a change of employment to a wish to reside closer to family members.
- Change in employment: Changes in employment could also lead to changes in work schedules. As such issues can also affect parenting plan schedules, pursuing similar modifications might prove necessary.
- Interests of the child: The needs of the kids may also change as they continue to grow, and addressing similar topics could be vital to taking steps to help bring a parenting plan in line with their current interests.
- Illness or death: The onset of a major health condition and the death of a parent might be two more examples of valid reasons to request modifications to a child custody agreement.
The court may also consider modifying a child custody agreement if one parent refuses to comply with the terms of the arrangement or if there are concerns about the child’s safety.
Seeking modifications
While some changes in life might prompt a need to modify a parenting plan, preparing to initiate this process can still be stressful and daunting. Seeking guidance on what to expect from and how best to prepare for this process could help alleviate some of your stress and place you in a better position to make informed decisions. Such advice may play an integral role in helping you prepare to safeguard the interests and needs of your child by pursuing the necessary modifications via the appropriate paths.