Child custody orders carry the full weight of the family courts. Parents typically have to follow custody orders. If they fail to do so, they may be at risk of enforcement attempts in the family courts.
Even those who feel frustrated and disappointed by the terms of a custody order have to uphold the terms set by the courts or that they agreed to with a co-parent. In some circumstances, a parent with limited authority or parenting time can ask the courts to reconsider the current custody arrangement. Parents who improve their circumstances that may have affected custody decisions can ask for more parenting time.
Judges want what is best for the children
The rules for any disputes related to custody are very clear. Judges have an obligation to make decisions that are in the best interests of the children. Frequently, they achieve that goal by keeping both parents actively involved with children through shared parenting time and legal authority.
Occasionally, a judge may award one parent visitation only or grant them far less parenting time because they are in an unstable situation. A lack of housing, financial challenges or substance abuse issues could inspire a judge to limit one parent’s time with their children.
When a parent has addressed those issues that improved their circumstances, they may be able to ask for a custody modification. Securing housing, obtaining a better job or even undergoing substance abuse treatment can be ways to demonstrate to the courts that a parent is now in a better position to have more time with their children.
Reviewing the factors that influenced an initial child custody determination can help parents determine what is necessary to pursue a custody modification. Parents who work to improve their circumstances can request a modification that grants them more time with their children.
