A California custody order allocates both parental responsibilities and rights for two adults who end their relationship or cease living together. In most cases, divorcing parents can negotiate their own arrangements.
In California, the courts may even require mediation to help parents arrive at mutually agreeable custody arrangements. If parents must litigate, then a judge makes decisions based on what they believe is in the best interests of the children. Regardless of whether a custody decree comes from mutual agreement or a court order, parents generally have an obligation to abide by the terms established in the order.
If the terms originally set no longer work for the family, then it may be messes who modify or revise the existing custody order. The following are some of the more common reasons that parents in California decide to update or change their parenting plans.
A need to relocate
If either parent has to move a significant distance or leave California after a breakup or divorce, they may need to communicate with the other parent and the family courts about that impending transition. One parent can potentially oppose the relocation of the other if the move might affect their ability to share custody of their children. A custody modification is often necessary when a change in residence could alter the allocation of parenting time and parental responsibilities.
A change in schedules
Sometimes, parents change jobs or go back to school. Their availability may change, forcing them to reconsider their custody arrangements. Other times, the children may have new scheduling concerns. Transitioning to a different school, joining team sports or starting a part-time job can put pressure on the existing allocation of parenting time. It may be necessary to modify arrangements to better address the current schedules of the parents and the children.
A shift in household dynamics
Perhaps one parent has started a new relationship and no longer seems to have time for children. Maybe puberty has strained the relationship between the child and the parent of the opposite sex. Even conflict between siblings might force families to reevaluate the way that they handle shared custody. Anytime there is a significant change in family circumstances, the custody order for the family may need to change. Instead of trying to handle each minor adjustment as the need arises, it is often more efficient to pursue a formal modification in family court.
Asking a judge to update a custody order can be beneficial for a parent who wants to spend as much time with their children as possible. Parents can seek modifications due to improvements in their circumstances or any other substantial change to their family’s situation.