Child Custody Modification When There is a Material Change of Circumstances

Custody battles make great fodder for TV shows and movies, but the reality typically involves significantly less drama. A court signs off on a custody plan that is created for the kids, and both parents share the child or children accordingly.

If someone wants to make a significant change to a custody agreement, though, as in change primary custody from one parent to the other, things can get a little trickier. There are essentially two options. The first option is for the parent seeking the change to get the other parent to agree to the change. This might be unlikely, but if the parents do manage to come to a consensus on a change, the court is generally going to sign off on it without any issue as long as it appears to be in the best interests of the children. The second option requires the parent seeking the change in custody without the other’s approval to petition the court to make the alteration.

A custody agreement isn’t just going to be changed on a whim, and some courts require a waiting period following the original custody agreement, during which no changes can be made unless the parent seeking the change can show some type of imminent danger or harm to the child. This waiting period may be as long as two years.

Outside of the waiting period, the parent seeking the change will first have to prove that something called a “material change in circumstances” has occurred. A material change in circumstances is a very significant change, like one parent losing the ability to care for a child, moving away, or developing a substance abuse problem.

If the parent requesting the change is able to show that something significant and important changed, the court will next consider whether the change is in the best interests of the children. If it is, the requested change will be granted.

Case Studies: Child Custody Modification When There is a Material Change of Circumstances

Case Study 1: Parental Agreement for Custody Modification

In this case study, both parents agree to make a significant change to their custody agreement. They recognize that the current arrangement is not in the best interests of their children due to the relocation of one parent for job-related reasons.

With mutual consent, they approach the court seeking a modification to the custody arrangement. The court reviews their request and approves the modification, taking into consideration the children’s best interests.

Case Study 2: Petitioning for Custody Change Without Mutual Consent

This case study revolves around a parent who wants to change the primary custody arrangement without the other parent’s agreement. The parent believes that a material change in circumstances has occurred, specifically, the other parent’s consistent substance abuse problem.

The concerned parent petitions the court, presenting evidence of the substance abuse and its negative impact on the children’s well-being. The court evaluates the evidence and, if convinced, determines that it is in the best interests of the children to modify the custody arrangement.

Case Study 3: Waiting Period Requirement

In this case study, a parent seeks a custody modification after the waiting period specified in the original custody agreement. The parent argues that a material change of circumstances has transpired, as the other parent has relocated to a different state, making it difficult to maintain the existing custody arrangement.

The parent provides evidence of the challenges faced by the children due to the distance and proposes an alternative custody plan that better serves their best interests. The court considers the evidence and makes a decision based on the children’s well-being.