Tampa Child Custody Modification Lawyer
When a couple with children divorces, a parenting plan is created. This document is incorporated into the court order and details issues like parenting time, traveling, extracurricular activities, and making important decisions about the children.
However, life changes. Circumstances may change for better or for worse. When this happens and it’s best for the terms of the child custody to be altered, a modification may be possible. A modification can be made on certain grounds and must be approved by the court. Faulkner Law Group, PLLC can help you with child custody modifications and other family law issues. Contact our experienced Tampa child custody modification lawyer today to learn more.
What Are Grounds for Child Custody Modification?
In order for there to be a modification in child custody, there needs to be substantial change in circumstances. This can refer to something that has happened suddenly or something that has been occurring over time. It can be an injury, an illness, or other issue that may negatively impact the ability to parent.
Some examples include:
- A parent has developed an illegal drug problem.
- There have been instances of child abuse or neglect.
- There are mental health issues with the child or parent.
- The child is suddenly doing poorly in school.
- One parent is irresponsible.
- The parent is unable to continue the current timesharing schedule.
- One parent is relocating.
- The child has a preference.
There needs to be a substantial change in circumstance for a child custody modification to be valid. A job promotion or even an isolated incidence of drug use may not be enough.
All it takes is for one parent to request the modification with the court and for the judge to agree. The parent who wants to modify will typically make their request with the help of their attorney. For the courts to seriously consider a modification, the burden of proof is on the petitioning parent. They must be able to prove that the change is in the child’s best interests.
The best interests of the child focus on parental responsibility. This includes many factors such as:
- The ability of the parents to provide for the child’s needs
- The ability of each parent to provide a consistent routine for the child
- The stability of the child’s environment
- Travel time to each parent
- The physical and mental health of the parents
- The moral fitness of the parents
- The home, school, and community record of the child
Contact Us Today
Child custody arrangements can change over time as the child’s or parent’s needs change or when life events happen. It may be necessary to modify custody in these instances.
Faulkner Law Group, PLLC can assist you with child custody modifications and other related issues. We’ll be there for you every step of the way. Contact a Tampa child custody modification lawyer today by calling (813) 544-3919 or filling out the online form.
