Going through the end of a marriage can be a stressful experience as you may face a variety of difficult decisions concerning your future in the process. If you and the other party have kids together, a portion of your focus may rest in reaching a parenting plan that best meets their needs and interests.
While the initial arrangement might prove effective at the start, what happens if you or the other parent experience a change in life circumstances? In some cases, these changes could disrupt various aspects of the current agreement and while addressing such issues could prove vital, it can also be complex.
Seeking modifications
Knowing what types of changes could prompt a need to revisit the original custody agreement and seek the necessary modifications could be essential. Some examples of reasons to seek such modifications could include:
- Change of location: A change in employment is just one example of a scenario that could prompt a need to relocate to a new area, and if your move puts a strain on visitation schedules, modifications may be necessary.
- Needs of the child: There may be a multitude of circumstances in which the needs of your child may alter over time, and seeking modifications to help bring your parenting plan in line with the interests of your child could be imperative.
- Lack of cooperation: Another possible example of a reason to seek modifications could involve a scenario in which the other parent begins to exhibit an unwillingness to cooperate with the terms of your parenting plan.
- Safety concerns: Should you feel that your child’s happiness or safety is in question, taking steps to address the issues at hand and protect his or her well-being could also prove vital.
When preparing to seek modifications to a parenting plan, it may also be in your best interests to seek insight on Oregon state child custody laws and how these might influence the outcome of your situation.
Knowing your options
When changes in life circumstances prompt a need to seek parenting plan modifications, there may be various paths to help you achieve such a goal. In some cases, this process may involve little more than sitting down with the other parent and negotiating an acceptable resolution. If this fails to prove fruitful, mediation and arbitration could also be viable paths in certain scenarios, and you may also have the option of preparing to seek the necessary modifications through a child custody hearing.
