Three reasons to modify a child custody plan

Child custody orders and agreements put into words the plans that Houston parents must follow in order to care for their children following separation or divorce. Based on the best interests of the children that will be affected by the custody plans, different families may have custody arrangements that differ greatly from each other. As such, all families with child custody concerns should seek counsel from their trusted family law attorneys.

However, there are some general situations which may present child custody challenges that relate to different families. When a child custody plan becomes insufficient to meet a child’s needs or is burdensome for a parent to follow, it may be modified to remedy those challenges. One reason that child custody plans are changed is due to a material change in the needs of the affected child.

Children grow and change from year to year, and over time a child may require medical, educational, or social interventions that they are not able to receive from their custodial parent or community. When this occurs, a child may have to relocate in order to get the help that serves their best interests. A child’s needs can therefore impact changes to their custody order or agreement.

Similarly, changes in a parent’s life may necessitate a modification to a child custody plan. When a parent is asked to relocate for a job, or if they must move due to new circumstances in their life, they may not be able to offer the same custodial role to their child as is mandated in their custody plan. For example, military deployments may require custodial parents to change their plans to ensure their children are cared for in their absences.

Finally, in Texas, children who are at least 12 years old can state their custodial preferences to the courts that hear their family law matters. A child’s desires to live with another parent may precipitate a change to an existing child custody plan.

Child custody arrangements are unique and are guided by the needs of children and the abilities of their parents to support them. This post does not provide any legal advice. Questions regarding modifications to existing child custody orders and agreements can be discussed with local family law lawyers.