Pennsylvania residents know that divorce is hard on the entire family. In addition to the family no longer living together, arrangements are set up regarding custody, child support, alimony, splitting up of assets, and every other issue that needs resolution when a couple splits.
When it comes to child custody, once the court makes a decision, the order is in place. Sometimes, however, agreements need modification if there is a change in circumstance.
When are child custody agreements modified?
There are several instances where a child custody agreement needs modification. One of the most important reasons that a child agreement should change is if the child is in danger in either of the households. The court will assess the situation and may use information from a variety of sources. Information may come from Children Services, police reports, whether the child has expressed an interest in not staying with a particular parent or accused that parent of abuse, or if there has been some sort of domestic violence or other abuse in either the custodial or non-custodial home. These types of circumstances usually require an emergency order.
Another reason that a child custody agreement could change is if one parent is considering moving away for a job or for other reasons. Whether the custodial parent or the noncustodial parent is the one moving away, the court will need to decide issues like if and how the child’s life would change due to the move and what arrangements would have to be made in the event of a move. The court will determine if a modified custody arrangement is necessary. The parents may have decided to work out a new visitation schedule on their own. If this is the case, the court will need to approve it so that everyone can move forward.
Who can people turn to if they’re dealing with issues pertaining to child custody?
Child custody is a very sensitive issue, emotionally impacting both parents and children. Parents may benefit by working with attorneys who have experience dealing with these types of issues.