The holidays are an exciting time for families. They also signify the end of the year and beginning of the next.
For co-parents, the holidays are a time to show that they can work together as a team in the best interest of the children. However, once the holidays are done, the new year can bring lots of surprises.
A co-parent may face changes in circumstances that make custody modifications necessary, or the needs of the child may change significantly. The court will consider allowing modifications if a parent’s relocation is in the best interests of the child as a whole. Outlined below are a few changes in the new year that could require custody modifications.
A change in jobs
People often use the start of the new year to launch the next chapter of their career. For a parent, this could mean earning more money and being better able to provide for the children. Nonetheless, it could also mean relocating or working more hours. Either of these can impact custody.
A change in the child’s needs
Children develop quickly. If it’s been a year or more since the custody arrangement was set, it’s likely that the child’s needs have changed. These changes may be significant. For example, the child may have been diagnosed with a health condition that means they require more support from the parent they live with. The child may be unable to travel as frequently to visit their other parent.
Changes in either parent’s circumstances or those of the child in the new year could result in the need for a custody modification. Having legal guidance can help you seek these changes.