After Florida parents receive their custody arrangement, they may think this arrangement is permanent. However, there may be times when it is necessary to change the custody order. In this situation, it is important for parents to understand when a modification is a good idea and how they should proceed.
There are many reasons why a child custody modification may be necessary. According to Very Well Family, parents might want to change the custody arrangement when one of them moves. If one parent moves to a new city, it may be difficult for families to maintain their current visitation schedule, and a move to a new state might make the schedule impossible. Sometimes, a court might also modify the custody arrangement if one parent does not abide by the current schedule.
Sometimes difficult circumstances may result in a custody modification. If one parent dies, it is typically necessary to change the custody arrangement. Additionally, a parent might request a modification if he or she thinks the children are in danger with the other parent. It is important to remember that in all of these situations, the court usually looks at several factors to see if a modification is in the best interests of the children. A court might consider the motivations of the parents, as well as how well they have communicated. Additionally, the court generally tries to understand how the modification might affect the kids.
Once parents realize that a custody modification is necessary, they may want to make this change immediately. FindLaw says that most of the time, parents cannot request a modification at any time. A court typically keeps the previous custody order in place for one year before considering changes. If there is an emergency, however, such as the death of a parent, then people may not have to wait a year before requesting a modification. When people decide to file a request for a new custody arrangement, they generally have to file this request with the court that made the previous custody order.