5 Reasons a Judge Will Modify Child Custody in Missouri

Significant changes in a parent’s lifestyle and child’s welfare can happen after the ruling, necessitating a child custody modification.

Generally, a Missouri judge will make a child custody ruling based on the child’s best interest. However, significant changes in a parent’s lifestyle and child’s welfare can happen after the ruling, necessitating a child custody modification. Here are five reasons the judge may change a child custody ruling.

1. Possible Danger

The judge will always make a ruling based on the child’s best interest. One of the main reasons a judge will allow modification is if the child’s life is in great danger. For example, if your ex-spouse is engaging in activities that put your child in harm’s way, you can seek a modification of child custody. In addition, you could ask for sole custody if you currently have joint custody.

2. The Child’s Interests Have Changed

What works for the child today may not work for them in the future. Also, one home setting may be good today but unsuitable for the child as time goes by. If you can prove that the child’s needs have changed substantially, chances are the court may warrant modification of the child custody ruling.

3. Physical Relocation

If joint custody was awarded during the last hearing, relocation of one parent would interfere with the joint custody arrangement. In this case, modification of custody would seek to award sole custody to one parent.

On the other hand, if primary custody were awarded during the last hearing, relocation would interfere with the visitation arrangement. Therefore, the non-custodial parent must seek modification and prove how the relocation would jeopardize the child’s best interest.

4. If a Parent Violated the Custody Terms

Violating child custody arrangements is illegal and can lead the judge to change a child custody ruling. For example, a parent who seeks to gain more than allowed custody or visitation could jeopardize their custody or visitation rights to the child. If your ex-spouse violates the initial custody order, the court may agree to modification requests.

5. A Parent’s Situation Has Changed

If a parent who was denied custody because they were an alcoholic or drug addict can prove they have been clean for the last three years, the judge can use this as a reason to modify the child custody ruling.

Also, if your ex-spouse has a new partner and you feel your child is not getting the attention and care they deserve, you could seek child custody modification.

St. Louis Divorce & Family Law Attorney

If your current child custody order does not sit well with you, The Betz Law Firm can help you convince the judge to modify it. We have highly skilled divorce and family law attorneys that can help you collect solid evidence and persuade the judge to side with you. Feel free to contact our law firm to discuss your case and legal options.