Whether it is because of a divorce, paternity dispute, or other family proceeding, you may be part of a child custody order. While the agreement may serve you well initially, as living situations change, you may need to modify the order to suit your children’s best interests. But to do so, you need to ask for the court’s permission, even if you only need to change things temporarily. A dedicated child custody attorney could help.

A Frisco child custody modification lawyer is equipped to help you prepare and file the right documents in court to get the judge to change the current arrangement. Our team takes a practical approach to family law by working to create solutions, not problems. Our experienced attorneys will take the time to get to know you, your children, and your situation so we can provide the most effective legal recommendations.

Basics of Child Custody

Parents and, in some cases, other designated family members can have child custody (conservatorship) and visitation (possession) rights based on an agreed schedule. Custody arrangements determine where the child stays and how the parents are to make important decisions about the child like their schooling or religion. Texas law allows parents to share some or all of these responsibilities (joint managing conservatorship), or one parent could carry this responsibility alone (sole managing conservatorship).

Common practice for the child—especially when they are very young—is to live with one parent most of the time and visit with the other parent throughout the year. However, every situation is unique. Additionally, circumstances can change over time, requiring adjustment of the arrangement as the child gets older. A child custody modification attorney in Frisco helps parents navigate the complex process of tweaking these arrangements in a way that works best for their families.

How and Why Parents Change Child Custody Orders

Parents might want to modify the existing custody plan for many reasons. For example, they may get a new job that requires them to move or take a big pay cut, meaning they cannot provide as much financial support as they could before. Either of these situations may require a change in the conservatorship and possession schedule.

Under Chapter 156 of the Texas Family Code, other reasons for adjusting the current arrangement might include:

  • The death of a conservator
  • A conviction of child abuse or family violence (even if the child in question is not the target of these actions)
  • When the child is 12 years or older, they could tell the court that they want to live with a different parent or family member

Regardless of the reason for the custody modification, parents need to file a new court case and ask the judge to review and approve a new plan. When making decisions in a child custody case, judges typically use the children’s best interests to guide them. Child custody modification attorneys could help people in Frisco create a new arrangement, explain its benefits, and present it to the judge for approval.

Call a Frisco Attorney for Help Modifying Child Custody Agreements

If you or your co-parent lost a job, got a new one, had to move, or experienced another type of substantial change in life circumstances, following the terms of the existing custody arrangement may not be convenient or even possible. But before you can deviate from the agreement, you must get the judge’s permission to change it officially. To do so, you need to file a modification lawsuit with the appropriate court.

When it comes to child custody, our compassionate and knowledgeable team understands your struggles and is here to help you through them. We provide confidential and people-friendly legal services to avoid creating more problems for our clients. At Towson Law Firm, PLLC, we handle all matters of family law with the sensitivity and patience they deserve. Contact a Frisco child custody modification lawyer to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.

Meet Matt Towson

Our Law Firm’s approach to your case is based on individual circumstances. Whether it is a simple negotiated settlement, or it requires an aggressive approach, we will protect and defend your best interests.

Meet Matt Towson
Meet Matt Towson
Meet Matt Towson