Child Custody Modifications Lawyers in Atlanta Modifying Custody After the Divorce Process Has Ended

One of the biggest misconceptions that people have regarding divorce and the matters that follow is that all orders are permanent and cannot be changed. Yes, the court will order an official divorce decree upon the completion of the divorce or an order of custody after a legitimation or paternity action. However, that does not mean that orders cannot be modified down the road.

In many situations, some circumstances change, and it’s necessary for one of the parties involved to request a modification of the child custody order. Below, we’ll talk about how to go about modifying a child custody order and what grounds constitute a need for modification. Having this knowledge can position parents in a way that allows them to protect their parental rights moving forward.

If you’re considering modifying an existing child custody order, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Our Atlanta family law firm proudly serves clients throughout Georgia who are seeking legal guidance about all aspects of divorce and family law. Contact Atlanta Family Law Group LLC today at (404) 963-9452 for the help you need.

How Does Child Custody Modification Work?

In any situation involving child custody, one or both parents may request a modification of the current custody order. However, for the court to modify the existing order, there must be evidence of a material change in circumstances that warrant the change. However, if the order was issued more than two years ago, no material change in circumstances is necessary. The parent requesting the modification must show that the interests and well-being of the child will benefit if the modification is granted.

In Georgia, the courts must look at these requests fairly. This means that they must still apply the rules that consider the best interests of the child first and foremost. However, they must not also assume that the custodial parent has an automatic right to retain custody simply because he or she was awarded custody in the initial order.

Once the parent requesting modification shows the required material change in circumstances, the court will decide whether to grant the requested change in custody or visitation based on the best interests of the minor child.

For instance, the court may retain the current order if it believes there is not enough evidence showing that a change is in the child’s best interests. In other situations, the court may see enough evidence to change primary custody to joint custody or to change the primary custodian for the minor child. Some cases may involve a change in visitation schedule, which is more suitable based on the parent and children’s current situations.

What are the Reasons to Modify a Child Custody Order?

Changes in circumstances may be the basis for a Petition to Modify Custody after a final divorce decree.

Here are a few reasons to request a modification in child custody:

• Improved living conditions: If you didn’t receive primary physical custody or only were awarded limited parenting time because of your previous living conditions, you may request a modification by showing that your living situation has improved. For instance, if you went from a studio apartment to a three-bedroom townhome, you may be able to show that you now have room for your children to live with you full or part-time.
• Relocation: If your ex is the custodial parent and is trying to relocate, you may request a custody modification by showing that the move would cause more harm to your child than good. You may show that moving can damage the child’s social life, education, healthcare, and his or her bond with you and other family members. A judge can stop the relocation, and they can also modify the order to determine if you can have more parenting time than the initial order awarded.
• Ignored visitation rights: You may request a modification of child custody orders if you can show that your ex is denying or ignoring your rights to a visitation schedule. This is an act that can hurt the child, thus changing the court’s initial decision regarding the child’s best interests. A failure by either party to foster the relationship with the other parent will be paramount in a judge’s decision-making in a child custody case.
• Child’s Request to Change Custodial Parent: In Georgia, a child who is 14 years old or older may elect which parent they will live with. This election will be honored if it is in the child’s best interest and the parent that the child has elected to live with is not unfit.
• Unfitness of the custodial parent: If a non-custodial parent shows that the custodial parent can no longer care for the minor children, this will also justify a modification of custody. Several circumstances may lead to the determination of unfitness, including, but not limited to, mental instability, drug and alcohol abuse, or other behaviors affecting the safety of the minor children. If you feel that your child is in danger, a modification must be requested immediately. In some circumstances, the Court can grant a modification quickly on a temporary or emergency basis.

What Are the Grounds to Modify Child Custody in Atlanta?

To modify a child custody arrangement in Atlanta, you must show that there has been a “material change in circumstances” since the original custody agreement was put into place. This material change can be something like a job loss, remarriage, or relocation.

If you and your former spouse can agree on the changes to the custody arrangement, then you can simply file an agreed-upon order with the court. If you want to modify a child custody order, you will need to file a petition for modification with your local family court. You will also need to serve your former spouse with this petition. Once this has been done, you and your former spouse will have to attend a hearing, at which point a judge will decide whether to modify the child custody arrangement.

Keep in mind that even if there has been a material change in circumstances, the judge may still decide that the original custody arrangement is in the best interest of the child.

Can an Attorney Help me With Child Custody Modification?

If you are modifying your child custody arrangement, you may be wondering if you need to hire an attorney. The answer to this question depends on a few different factors.

If you and the other parent can communicate and agree on the changes that need to be made to the custody arrangement, then you likely will not need to hire an attorney. You can simply make the changes yourselves and have them approved by the court.

However, if you and the other parent cannot agree on the changes that need to be made, then you may need to hire an attorney. An attorney can help negotiate a new custody arrangement with the other parent that is in the best interests of your child. If necessary, an attorney can also represent you in court if you want to deter a modification.

At Atlanta Family Law Group LLC, our Atlanta child custody attorneys are ready to help you. We are tenacious in building a convincing case to help you show that a modification to the child custody order is in your child’s best interests. If significant changes have occurred that you believe warrant a modification of your custody order or if you want to preserve the rights established in your custody agreement, contact the experienced child custody lawyers at Atlanta Family Law Group LLC today at (404) 963-9452 to discuss how we can help you with your custody goals.