When Can I Have the Court’s Custody Decision Re-reviewed? (Part B)
If you are not satisfied with the Virginia child custody decision made by the court, you will need to file to have the ruling changed. You can do this as soon as you know-and can prove-that the custody order as it stands will be harmful to your child.
How to Have a Virginia Child Custody Decision Re-reviewed
To begin, you will need to fill out the appropriate paperwork and file it with the court. Your Virginia divorce attorney can help guide you through the filing process, making sure you have all the necessary documents and information in order.
The court will review the petition to modify the custody arrangement and will decide if the current order needs to be changed. You will need to specify your reasons for wanting the custody order modified. Virginia courts don't change their custody decisions unless there is a compelling reason to do so.
In many cases, a non-custodial parent is filing to change the custody arrangement because of difficulties with the custodial parent that may have emerged since the Virginia child custody decision was made.
For example, if the custodial parent has begun to abuse alcohol or drugs, frequently and deliberately violates the custody arrangement, or has entered into a relationship with an abusive person, the court would consider changing the custody order.
While a child custody decision made by a Virginia court is difficult to change without convincing reasons and evidence, a child custody plan created by the divorcing parties is relatively easy to change.
Sometimes, parents draw up a child custody agreement or parenting plan, then run into conditions later on that lead them to want to modify that plan. While making significant changes to a Virginia child custody plan needs to be addressed through the proper legal channels, it is easier when the parents were the ones who made the original arrangements.
Contacting a Virginia Divorce Attorney
If you're facing a Virginia divorce and need to know your options when it comes to child custody, speak to an experienced Virginia divorce attorney. Having help early in the process may help you to avoid later heartbreak in the event of a poorly worded Virginia child custody agreement or a child custody decision that is harmful to you and your child.
A Virginia divorce attorney at Hofheimer Family Law Firm can examine the specifics of your Virginia child custody case to help you decide how much support to ask for, what child custody arrangement will work best for you and your children, and whether you have the grounds to ask for a modification of your child custody decision. Reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar - 757-425-5200.
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