When you and your spouse have children and you get divorced, you will have the opportunity to work together on a parenting time schedule. If you cannot come to an agreement, a court will order a plan based on what the judge deems to be in the best interests of the kids. However, even if you and your spouse develop the modified schedule on your own, a judge still provides final approval.
As we all know, life can change drastically as time goes on. We may suffer a job loss, change careers, need to move or see any number of other changing circumstances. Thus, it may be necessary for you to seek the modification of your parenting time schedule at some point in the future.
How to seek a modification
To move forward with this process, you must file a motion with the family court. You and your attorney will also serve the other parent with the motion, notifying him or her that you are seeking a modification. At a court hearing, you can present arguments supporting your case, allowing a judge to consider a modification and make a ruling. The other parent will also present arguments for the judge to consider when making a ruling.
If the judge decides to modify parenting time, he or she will issue a new parenting time order, to which you and the other parent will need to adhere immediately.
Getting a modification to a parenting plan can be a complicated process, and so it’s important to work with legal counsel to give yourself the best chance at success. For further guidance on establishing a sound parenting time schedule that provides your children with a positive future, meet with a dedicated Minnesota family law attorney at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.
