What qualifies as a Material Change of Circumstances?

If a custody arrangement is in place and one of the parents wishes to modify it, s/he will need to prove that there has been a material change in circumstances. A material change in circumstances is something that alters the conditions of the child’s life significantly enough that it may change the court’s decision as to what is in the child’s best interests.

Understanding a Material Change of Circumstances

A court decides custody for a child based on a careful weighing of many different factors. The court assesses, for example, the child’s relationship with each parent, as well as the ability and desire of each parent to provide that child with the best home possible. After the court has made this assessment, the parties are bound by their decision and must live with it.  The custody agreement it sets in place becomes legally binding and permanent in order to create stability for the child.

Because the court carefully considers their initial decision, they aren’t just going to change the custody decision on a whim. Instead, the only way they will change it is if there is new information that could alter their original assessment of what is best for the child. This new information would be considered a material change in circumstances.

Examples of a Material Change of Circumstances

There are many different examples of a material change in circumstances. A few examples include:

• One parent wishing to move out of state with the child,
• One parent becoming unfit to care for the child for some reason, such as because s/he has developed an addiction to drugs or alcohol, or because she has moved an unsavory and unsafe figure into the family home, or
• One parent becoming more able to care for the child, often by overcoming problems that caused him or her to be disqualified from having custody originally (e.g. – overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol).

Getting Help for Your Child Custody Case

The party seeking an alteration to the custody agreement based on the material change of circumstances will need to submit the appropriate papers to the court and gather the evidence necessary to prove that a change is being made, that the change is material, and that the change should result in a reassessment of custody. Hiring a lawyer can be helpful in successfully arguing these points.

Case Studies: Material Change of Circumstances in Child Custody Cases

Case Study 1: Relocation

Sarah and John divorced with a custody agreement in place for their child. After a few years, Sarah is offered a job opportunity in another state and wishes to move with the child. Sarah argues that the relocation constitutes a material change of circumstances as it would significantly impact the child’s life and require a reassessment of custody arrangements.

Case Study 2: Parental Unfitness

Lisa and Mark share custody of their child, but Mark begins exhibiting concerning behavior, including substance abuse and neglect. Lisa believes that Mark’s behavior poses a threat to the child’s well-being and seeks a modification of custody based on a material change of circumstances, arguing that the child’s safety is at risk.

Case Study 3: Improved Parenting Ability

Jason and Megan divorced with custody granted to Jason due to Megan’s unstable lifestyle. Over time, Megan undergoes therapy, finds stable employment, and demonstrates improved parenting skills. Megan believes that her significant personal growth constitutes a material change of circumstances, warranting a reconsideration of custody arrangements.