One of the most critical steps in a divorce for couples with children is crafting a parenting agreement, or in family law what is referred to as a custody and visitation schedule. A parenting agreement is a written document that outlines child custody issues and care for your children post-separation and post-divorce. These plans cover issues such as visits and overnight stays, transportation schedules, holiday schedules, medical care and much more. Parenting plans, which are a part of your final Judgment, are modifiable based on circumstance.
If you need help modifying or revising your co-parenting agreement a family law professional can help. Not only will they explain how to revise a parenting agreement but they will guide you through the process.
Reasons to Modify Your Parenting Agreement
One of the reasons to revise your parenting agreement is to accommodate your family’s transitions after divorce. Because families grow and change, your parenting agreement will need to reflect that. Some of the more common post-decree modifications include:
- Your child or children have aged, and they have additional or different needs.
- One parent is relocating to a new home requiring an update to your visitation schedule. Depending on relocation plans you may need to request written permission from your spouse or from the court which is called a move -away.
- One parent has a new work schedule or has lost their job and can’t meet their responsibilities.
- Your children’s safety may be at risk when residing with one parent in which case you may need the court to intervene.
- One parent is being irresponsible when it comes to getting the children to school on time, completing homework, etc.
Often parents will make changes with no written agreement without filing anything with the court or even implementing a simple verbal agreement. In this case, the original written court order will still be recognized by the court and not your new agreement. This is why it is important to get assistance from an attorney to properly modify your agreement and make sure the court has this modification on file as a new court order.
Getting Everyone On Board
Crafting your own parenting agreement works best when everyone is on board. However, you should still seek assistance to make sure that what you agree upon is put into a Stipulation and Order filed with the court, and signed by a Judge. But if an agreement can’t be reached, a court may need to intervene. In these situations, spouses will often work with a third party such as an attorney that can help mediate or a child custody attorney that is able to assist you with fighting for the best interest of your children in court.
If you and your spouse are deadlocked over the terms of your agreement, Buncher Law can help. Whether you need to revise a parenting agreement, or require supportive legal representation to fight for the best interests of your child or children, we will make sure that your needs are met. When it comes to custody issues, nothing is more important than the wellbeing of your children.