Custody orders approved by the Texas family courts outline a specific breakdown of parental rights and responsibilities. Each parent has a certain amount of time with the children and a degree of authority to make decisions about their upbringing.
Parents generally need to uphold the terms of a custody order to the best of their ability. In some cases, seeking to modify the custody order might become necessary. When is it possible to adjust the terms of a custody order?
After a significant change in circumstances
The terms included in a custody order generally prioritize the best interest of the children. If family circumstances change significantly, what best serves the children may change as well
Parents acquiring new jobs, changes in family relationships and even health issues could provide grounds to request a custody modification. The courts can review the change to the family situation and determine what arrangements may now be in the best interest of the children.
When the parents reach an agreement
Parents do not have to litigate custody matters. They can take control by working together and setting their own terms.
Parents have the option of modifying custody orders at any point when they both agree that certain adjustments are necessary. They submit information about the proposed changes to the courts and ask a family law judge to approve the modification request.
Understanding when custody modifications are possible can help parents ensure that their arrangements work well for their families. Formal custody modifications offer better protection than reaching a verbal agreement about a modification with a co-parent.