Divorce laws can be a nightmare to navigate, no matter what your circumstance is. One of the more frustrating aspects after a divorce is not knowing how to modify the child visitation order from the court. A divorce lawyer from The Harris Firm, LLC, can help you navigate these complications and advocate for a fair visitation order.
A few of the most common grounds used for child visitation order modification are listed below.
- Relocation
Relocation is a frequently used reason to modify the court’s child visitation order. Unless there is an agreement between parents, the custodial parent is not allowed to move more than 50 miles away from the other parent without that parent’s consent. Relocation can be grounds for a new court order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was made. If one of the parents tries to go against this rule, it can lead to contempt of court charges.
- Financial changes
If there has been a significant change in the financial situation of either of the parents, then the court will most likely consider this a reason to modify child visitation. The court will evaluate the financial status using income histories and credit reports as part of its assessment. This is typically considered a ground for modification if there has been a significant change in income or other circumstances that have negatively affected the ability of the parents to participate in the child’s life.
- Substance abuse
Substance abuse can also be a reason for modification. If one of the parents has been identified as an alcoholic or substance abuser, the court will most likely consider this to be a good reason to modify child visitation. These circumstances can be used by the other parent in the absence of physical or emotional abuse as well.
- Child abuse
Child abuse is another common reason for modifying visitation orders. In fact, child abuse can take several forms, including emotional, physical, and sexual. Any of these forms of child abuse can be a strong reason to modify the court’s child visitation order.
- Change in lifestyle
A change in the lifestyle or values of one or both parents can also be a reason for the modification. If the parent’s lifestyle has changed to the point where they do not feel comfortable allowing their ex-spouse to have visitation with the child, then this can also be grounds for modification.
