Parents in Kansas may choose to separate for a multitude of reasons. However, one thing that almost all parents agree on is the well-being of their children. Most parents cooperate and work together on a child custody arrangement that best suits their new situation. However, the custody arrangement that parents initially agreed upon may need to be amended as children grow and needs change. Here’s how to know when a change or modification to a child custody arrangement is needed.
Parental relocation
A court will usually only allow a change to a child custody agreement if it is in the best interests of the children. However, if one parent is physically moving to a distant location, the court may consider modifications to the child custody arrangement. The courts will look at factors such as why the parent is relocating, if parents have attempted to rework the visitation schedule and if a custody modification will cause interruptions to the child’s life.
When a parent in not cooperating
Sometimes, a parent may ignore the child custody schedule or be uncooperative. If this is the case, the court may consider a change to the existing child custody order. Before modifying the child custody arrangement, the court will consider the communication between parents and reasons why the current arrangement has not been followed.
If possible, parents should do their best to come to a mutually accepted arrangement before deciding to pursue a new child custody proceeding. Parents in Kansas who have questions about modifying a custody arrangement may want to consult with a family law attorney. An experienced lawyer can answer questions and assist a client in presenting a clear and covincing case to the court.
