Franklin Child Custody Modification Attorney
When you and your child’s other parent divorced, a child custody order was put into place. While the order made sense at the time, things have changed. The other parent may have primary custody of your child, but you don’t think the other parent is doing a good job. Perhaps the parent has an addiction. Now the child’s grades are suffering and they are being neglected. The Franklin Child custody modifications attorneys at Beal | Crutcher can help you get started in this process.
What if you think you could be the responsible parent? If you believe your child is in a dangerous environment and you want to change the custody orders, you may be able to do so with the help of a child custody modification. As the name implies, a modification modifies the original order. It makes changes that are significant to the child, but in their best interests.
However, a change in custody requires a change in circumstances, so you cannot file a modification simply because you don’t like the agreement. There needs to be a significant change that would impact the child.
What is the Process?
The first step in the child custody modification process is to contact a lawyer. The law firm of Beal | Crutcher can help you get started. Each case is unique, so we’ll assess your situation and create a plan that will help you meet your goals. Tennessee law can be vague when it comes to defining a change of circumstances, so we’ll ensure we provide you with the best advice for your situation. We are familiar with state laws and what is required for a child custody modification.
No matter which lawyer you choose, they will need to know some basics such as:
- What you want to change
- Whether you need to change custody or parenting time
- The child’s age
- The child’s health and wellbeing
- Whether you should seek mediation or file a petition first
- Time limitations on when the change needs to take place
- Impact of child support
- Whether or not the change in situation is legally enough for a modification to be filed
Reasons for a Child Custody Modification
The court will typically grant a modification for the following reasons:
- The child is in danger of being abused or neglected.
- One of the parent’s situations has changed
- There is a change to a parent’s work schedule.
- One parent needs to relocate.
- The parents have moved closer to each other.
- The child’s needs have changed.
- The child has a preference.
- One parent is acting irresponsibly.
- One parent refuses to follow the child custody order.
Contact Us Today
Child custody orders are not set in stone. Sometimes life changes can lead to changes in custody as well. The court is available to handle these situations on a case-by-case basis.
Are the best interests of the child in mind? If so, the law firm of Beal | Crutcher can help you file a modification for child custody. To schedule a consultation, call our office at (615) 861-2304.
