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Is it time to modify your child’s parenting plan?

On Behalf of | Feb 20, 2023 | Child Custody

When you and your child’s other parent first crafted a parenting plan, your child may have been years younger than they are now. As your family’s circumstances evolved and your child grew, their needs have likely changed. As a result, the current structure and terms of your parenting plan may no longer reflect your child’s best interests. 

If your child could significantly benefit from a parenting plan modification, it is time to explore your options. Georgia family courts recognize that the original terms of a parenting plan may not serve a child’s interests for the length of time it takes them to reach adulthood. As a result, the courts will grant requests for parenting plan modifications under certain circumstances. 

What should you do now?

If you and your child’s other parent can reach an agreement about how your parenting plan should be modified, all you’ll need to do is speak with an attorney about how to formalize and finalize your mutually-agreeable terms with the court. Failing to take this step will leave your modification unenforceable and could leave you on the hook for non-compliance with the original terms of your parenting plan if your child’s other parent ever chooses to be manipulative. 

If your child’s other parent doesn’t agree that your parenting plan should be modified, you can request that the court grant a modification anyway. You’ll need to prove that your child’s circumstances have changed significantly since the current order was handed down and that any changes you’re requesting clearly reflect your child’s best interests. 

From offices in Augusta-Richmond County we serve clients in neighboring communities including Grovetown, Thomson, Waynesboro, Harlem, Lincolnton, and Wrens. Beyond Augusta we handle cases in Columbia County, Burke County, McDuffie County, Lincoln County and Wilkes County. We also proud to represent military families and veterans from Fort Gordon, Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Stewart, Fort Benning, Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem.