STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE REQUESTING A CHANGE IN YOUR CHILD CUSTODY AGREEMENT

Child custody cases frequently result in one parent feeling like they got the short end of the stick. When determining custody, referees or judges take a multitude of factors into consideration, such as the past behavior of both parents, financial stability, a parent’s nurturing nature and more. If you are a father who is hoping for a change in a child custody agreement, there are a few important steps to take in order to have a better chance of receiving a favorable judgement from the court.

When a referee or judge renders a decision regarding child custody, the decision cannot be amended outside of court. For example, if both parents agree that a child’s living situation should change, they cannot legally make the change on their own. A judge must amend the order for the change to be in line with the law.

Sometimes, fathers are not awarded custody because of factors such as a proclivity towards drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other situations pertaining to their lifestyle. If you are a father seeking to have the court amend a child custody agreement, the best thing you can do is make lifestyle changes so you can become a more suitable parent in the eyes of the court. Judges will want to see consistency, so it’s best to begin this process early.

At Bailey Smith & Bailey, we specialize in representing fathers in child custody cases. Our family law attorneys recognize the importance of children spending time with their fathers, and we are committed to making that happen to the greatest extent. If you are seeking an amendment to a child custody decision, take a critical look at your lifestyle and perhaps ask a trusted friend or family member to help you identify major or minor aspects of your life in order to come up with a plan to make a change. When you’re ready to petition the court for a custody change, contact us to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney who is ready to go to work for you.