Many divorcing couples are able to create child custody arrangements ensuring the kids are provided for all the way to adulthood. At times, situations may arise that prompt one of the parents to revisit an arrangement and seek some sort of modification. Before taking any action, it makes sense to sit down with a child support lawyer in Winnebago County, IL and get an idea of what types of issues would motivate a court to approve the modification. Here are a few examples to consider.
The Ability to Provide a Stable Home Environment
In years past, the person chosen as the custodial parent was in a position to provide a secure and safe home for the children. However, the situation has changed. The non-custodial parent has reason to believe the current living conditions are no longer safe and may pose an immediate threat to the physical or emotional well-being of the kids. Taking those concerns to a child support lawyer in Winnebago County, IL provides the opportunity to investigate those conditions and determine if there are grounds for seeking a modification of the support arrangement.
The Wishes of the Children
As the kids get older, they may decide they would rather live with the non-custodial parent and see the current custodial parent on a regular basis. While the court will not approve such a change based on a simple request, the ability to provide practical reasons for making the change will provide the basis for a hearing. Ultimately, the focus of the court is ensuring that the children are in the custody of the parent who is better suited to take care of them on a day-to-day basis. This means if the desire to live with the non-custodial parent is because of a perception that there would be fewer house rules, the court is not likely to approve the modification. When there is evidence the non-custodial parent is providing more in the way of guidance, material support, and commands the respect of the kids, a change is more likely to be approved.
If changing the custody arrangement seems like the right thing to do, find more information about the process from a custody lawyer. Depending on the circumstances, obtaining a modification may be simpler than the kids or the parents realize.
