Fort Worth Child Custody Modification Lawyer

How To Modify A Child Custody Agreement?

There are a variety of reasons why parents may believe it is necessary to make changes to a child custody agreement. It is likely that parents and children will experience changes in their lives in the years after a parenting agreement is put in place. Adjustments to visitation schedules may be necessary based on the times parents will be working, the activities children will be participating in, or for multiple other reasons. More significant changes may be needed if a parent plans to move to a new home, if health issues or other concerns have affected a parent's ability to care for their children, or if parents are no longer able to share certain responsibilities. When requesting modifications to child custody, it is important to follow the correct procedures, and parents can make sure they are meeting all of their legal requirements by working with a lawyer who understands the factors that affect these types of cases.

If you believe that a child custody modification is necessary, or if you need to respond to a modification request by the other parent, Hatton & Hatton, PLLC can provide you with legal representation to ensure that your parental rights will be protected. We will advise you on the best steps you can take to resolve any disputes you may encounter, and we will advocate for solutions that will provide for your children's best interests going forward. Whether you need to make minor adjustments to your parenting plan or believe that significant changes are necessary, we can guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals.

Requirements for Child Custody Modifications

Generally, a request to modify a parenting plan and make changes to conservatorship or possession and access (visitation) must be based on changes to the circumstances of one or more of the parties involved in a case. These changes must be "material and substantial," meaning that one or both parents or their children have experienced significant changes in their lives that have affected or may affect the parents' ability to carry out their parental responsibilities or that may require changes to the days and times that children will spend in the care of each parent. Applicable changes may include:

• A parent has started a new job that has a longer commute, which will affect their ability to pick up and drop off children as currently scheduled.
• A parent has become concerned about the safety and well-being of their children when they are in the care of the other parent due to issues such as substance abuse or domestic violence.
• A parent has repeatedly failed to follow the terms of their child custody order, such as by failing to pick children up and care for them during their scheduled visitation time.

As is true in all family law cases involving children, the court's primary concern will be to protect the best interests of the child. A parent who makes a modification request or argues against a request by the other parent will need to demonstrate why their suggested solutions will provide for their children's best interests. In many cases, it is preferable for parents to work together to resolve disputes over child custody modification requests and negotiate agreements that will allow them to continue to work together to raise their children successfully. However, when cooperation and compromise are not possible, it may be necessary to resolve these issues in court, and by working with an experienced attorney, a parent can advocate for an outcome that will allow them to meet their children's needs both in the immediate future and in the years to come.

Contact Our Tarrant County Child Custody Modification Lawyers

Our attorneys understand that changes in your life are inevitable in the years following a divorce or separation, and we are here to help you determine how to make any necessary modifications to your child custody agreement. We will advise you on the best ways to protect your rights and ensure that your children's needs will be provided for. We can provide you with strong representation during legal proceedings, and we will help you find solutions that will allow you to move forward successfully. Set up a free consultation today by contacting us at 817-349-8120.