When a couple goes through a divorce, there are many issues to be resolved. Some of the most important issues for those who have children are custody and child visitation arrangements to determine how much time the children will spend with each parent. Once a divorce is settled, these arrangements are generally considered to be permanent. However, child visitation arrangements can be modified in certain circumstances. The experienced family law attorneys at Saunders Law Group can assist clients seeking child visitation modifications in the Winter Haven, FL-area. We will fight to ensure that child visitation modifications take into account the best interest of the child or children involved.
When to Request Child Visitation Modifications
It is important to understand that child visitation modifications will only be considered by the court in certain circumstances. The most important factor that the court will contemplate when deciding if a child visitation agreement should be modified is whether a new arrangement would be in the child’s best interest. If the current visitation arrangement seems to be working for all parties, and, most importantly, for the child, it is not likely that a modification will be granted. However, if certain circumstances have changed, it is worth seeking a child visitation modification. The following are the most common reasons to request a child visitation modification:
- If one parent believes the child is in danger when in the care of the other parent
- If one parent is being irresponsible in providing and caring for the child
- When one parent has moved (or is considering moving) a significant distance
- When one parent repeatedly ignores or violates the current visitation agreement
- If the child has expressed a desire to spend more time with the non-custodial parent
- If the custodial parent passes away
How to Modify a Visitation Agreement
If a parent believes that they can prove that circumstances have changed enough to warrant a child visitation modification, they must file a petition with the court and notify the other parent that a petition has been filed. A visitation modification will be granted if the court approves of the parent’s petition to modify, or if both parents agree to the modifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
A child visitation modification petition can be filed without the assistance of a lawyer. However, given the amount of time it can take to complete the visitation modification process, and the emotional state of most custody disputes, it is often in the best interest of the parent to hire an experienced family law attorney. The attorneys at Saunders Law Group will gather all the information and evidence that is necessary to prove that a visitation modification is in the best interest of the child. We will work hard to ensure a positive outcome for our client and their child.
