Even though most custody agreements are made with the child's best interests in mind, it's not uncommon for parents to request a change down the line. Unless the child is in immediate danger, a judge will likely only approve a modification when changes in a parent's life affect their ability to parent or the child's schedule. The four instances below are some of the most common reasons why a custodial arrangement may need to be modified.
Relocation
One of the most difficult challenges facing divorced parents is trying to maintain a close relationship with their children when they live in different states. While it is obviously important for children to have a relationship with both parents, it can be difficult to balance the needs of the child with the logistical realities of long-distance parenting. In many cases, one parent will move out of state after the divorce, making it difficult for the child to see both parents on a regular basis. When this happens, the court will often approve a change to the parenting plan that allows the child to spend more time with the parent who lives nearby. This arrangement can be beneficial for both the child and the parent, as it allows the child to maintain a close relationship with both parents while also reducing the amount of time spent travelling.
Schedule changes
As any parent knows, raising a child is a full-time job. Between work, school, and extracurricular activities, it can be difficult to find time for anything else. Therefore visitation schedules are so important - they provide a way for both parents to spend time with their children even when their schedules are busy. However, sometimes these schedules need to be tweaked due to changes in the parent's or child's life. For example, if a parent starts a new job with a different schedule or the child begins to participate in after-school activities, a modification may be necessary. However, a judge will still evaluate whether the amendment is in the child's best interests and cause as little disruption as possible to their lives. By working together, parents can ensure that their child has a happy and healthy childhood.
An Uncooperative parent
Parents who share custody of their children often have a visitation schedule that they must follow. However, what happens when one parent isn't holding up their end of the agreement? If the other parent refuses to let you spend time with your child, frequently reschedules, or doesn't show up, a custody modification will likely be necessary. Custody orders are legally enforceable, so if you find yourself in this situation, it's important to seek out help from an experienced family law attorney. They can help you develop a new custody agreement and assert your parenting rights. If your original custody agreement is no longer working for your family, it may be time for alterations. If possible, reaching a mutual agreement for your new visitation schedule with your ex before going to a judge can help the process go smoother. either way, it's important to ensure that your parental rights are being upheld.
You are Being Alienated From Your Child
When families separate, it is not unusual for the conflict between the parents to spill over into their relationship with their children. In some cases, one parent may try to deliberately harm the child’s relationship with the other parent, a phenomenon known as parental alienation. Parental alienation can take many different forms, but the underlying goal is always to turn the child against the other parent. In some cases, the alienating parent may try to poison the child’s view of the other parent through subtle manipulation and brainwashing. In other cases, the parent may resort to more overt methods, such as making false accusations of abuse or refusing to obey a child custody order. No matter what form it takes, parental alienation is a serious problem that can have lasting effects on both the child and the targeted parent.
In some cases, the best solution is to limit or even remove the custodial rights of the offending parent. This can be a difficult decision for the court to make, but it may be necessary to protect the child from further harm. Other approaches, such as therapy and counseling, may also be helpful in addressing the underlying issues and rebuilding the family relationship. Whatever approach is taken, it is important to act quickly to address the problem of parental alienation.
If you are facing a divorce in Tulsa, Oklahoma or surrounding counties, call the experienced attorneys at Tiffany Graves Law to discuss your options.
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