After deciding to dissolve a marriage, parents in Minnesota may wish to take every possible measure to reach a parenting plan that best aligns with the needs and interests of their children. While your initial arrangement may satisfy the needs of everyone involved, these needs may be subject to change over time.
There may be a multitude of scenarios in which changes in life circumstances might prompt a need to revisit your current parenting plan and seek modifications. Knowing some common reasons to pursue such changes and what to expect from the process could be integral to protecting the needs of your kids.
Pursuing modifications
While it might not be feasible to seek modifications to a child custody agreement on a whim, there may be various scenarios in which such changes might prove necessary, some of which may include:
- Parent relocation: If a change in life prompts a need to move to a new location, modifying your parenting plan might be necessary and may keep the relocation from disrupting visitation.
- Change in schedule: Changes in employment may alter your scheduling needs, and similar issues may also prompt a need to revisit your original parenting plan agreement.
- Needs of the kids: The needs and safety of your children is paramount, and should these needs change, addressing the options to help protect their interests could prove imperative.
- Age of the kids: It might not be uncommon for the interests and wishes of your children to change over time as they age, and similar changes could also spark a need to modify a parenting plan.
Even if you have a valid reason to seek modifications to your parenting plan, if you and the other parent cannot reach an agreement, it might be up to the court to issue a final decision.
Preparing for the process
While there may be numerous changes in life circumstances that might prompt a need to modify your parenting plan, the process can still be somewhat complex in nature. Seeking insight on your available options and what to expect from the process could play a vital role in helping you better prepare for what comes next. Such a decision may be integral to placing you in a position in which to protect your interests and the needs of your kids by pursuing the necessary modifications through the appropriate channels.
