Parents in Georgia may find that their current custody order fails to address family needs if it’s been in place for a while. Changes in household dynamics, the needs of the children or even family schedules can leave parents scrambling to adjust their custody schedule regularly to accommodate their new circumstances.
Each informal discussion to make on-the-fly adjustments to a custody schedule is an opportunity for conflict. Parents may find that an already strained relationship becomes outright hostile due to constant custody adjustments. In those cases, modifying the custody order can reduce the stress for both parents and children and lower overall family conflict levels.
It depends on whether parents can agree
Custody orders are enforceable court orders that parents have an obligation to uphold. Modifying the existing order requires going back to court. Informal arrangements between parents are not enforceable in the same way that a custody order typically is.
Parents can modify their custody orders through mutual agreement. They decide what changes are necessary and then submit paperwork to the court. The judge can then approve any changes that they agree are in the best interests of the children.
When parents cannot agree on custody modification terms, they may need to return to family court to make their cases. A judge can rule on disputed custody adjustments. They determine what changes are likely to be beneficial for the children and if any official modification of the existing order is necessary.
Both cooperative and litigated custody order modifications typically require the assistance of a child custody attorney. Having experienced legal guidance to handle court paperwork and present the case to a judge can increase the likelihood of success when updating a custody order is necessary for family stability.