A child custody schedule is often made to accommodate parents’ and children’s daily lives. These schedules also typically accommodate the children’s basic needs. Once a child custody schedule is made, many parents believe there’s no need for any changes.
However, there are occasions when a child custody schedule needs to be altered, although the court won’t change a custody schedule for just any reason. Here are a few times a custody schedule is altered:
1. A parent is moving
After divorce, a parent may decide to move. Perhaps they found a job opportunity that supports a single-parent household — or, maybe, the parent wants new scenery and to leave behind their past troubles.
If the other parent wishes to stay where they are, then there may be a need to revise a child custody schedule. The court may have to step in, for example, if the parent who wishes to relocate wants to take the child with them.
2. A parent had their work schedule changed
Many child custody schedules are made with each parent’s current employment in mind. If a parent changes their job or has their work hours adjusted, then there may be difficulties keeping up with the original custody schedule.
For example, a parent’s new work schedule may make it harder for them to pick up their children after school on Fridays. In this scenario, the custody schedule may need to be altered so that the other parent can pick up their children until the weekend exchange can be made.
3. A child’s needs have changed
Children will grow and have new needs that require a new child custody schedule. For example, a teenager may wish to have more after-school or summer activities that overlap with a parent’s visitation hours. Or, a child could develop a medical illness that requires constant care from one parent.
If you’re making a child custody schedule or need to alter one, it can help to understand your legal options.