Negotiating A Child Custody Modification With Your Co-Parent

Families change and grow, so it should come as no surprise that many co-parents find themselves with outdated parenting plans that no longer serve their child’s best interests. Fortunately, it is possible for parents to modify their existing custody and visitation arrangements, often without going to court. To learn more about reaching a voluntary agreement to modify your existing parenting plan, please reach out to our legal team today.

Standard for Modification 

Before two parents start the process of negotiating a new parenting plan, they should know that courts are only willing to approve a new arrangement when a change in circumstances justifies it.  This change must be substantial, but unlike in prior years, no longer has to be unanticipated to qualify for a modification. Still, if both parents agree to voluntarily change the agreement and the new schedule is in the child’s best interests, the court will usually agree to issue a new parenting plan.

Clarify Your Goals 

Before entering into negotiations, co-parents will also want to clearly define their priorities and objectives ahead of time. Beyond identifying the specific changes to the current arrangement that you’re seeking, consider gathering documentation and other evidence to support your case. Carefully organize your thoughts and prepare a reasoned argument outlining your proposal.

Take a Collaborative Approach 

When starting the child custody modification process, it’s important for parents to approach the negotiation with a cooperative mindset, which will better enable them to reach a solution that benefits everyone. Try to work together with your co-parent to come up with an agreement that works for both of you, as well as your child. Carefully articulate how the changes will improve your child’s life and positively impact your family dynamic.

Be Open to Input 

A successful child custody negotiation will require flexibility and openness from all parties. Be ready to listen to your co-parent’s perspective and suggestions. He or she may have an alternate proposal that you haven’t considered, but that serves everyone’s best interests. Attempt to engage in constructive dialogue and remember, compromise will be essential to reaching a resolution via negotiation.

Know Your Other Options 

Even though you and your co-parents may be attempting to voluntarily negotiate a modification to your parenting plan, it’s still a good idea to know your options if those direct negotiations reach an impasse. There may still be other methods available to you, like family mediation, where a neutral third party helps facilitate your discussions and guide you towards an acceptable parenting plan. Of course, if you are unable to reach an agreement, you’ll need to file a formal petition with the court to obtain a modification.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney Today 

For legal support during your own child custody modification negotiations, please call 954-945-7591 and set up a meeting with dedicated and compassionate Florida child custody lawyer Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. You can also reach a member of our legal team by completing an online contact form.

Sources: 

flcourts.gov/content/download/685834/file_pdf/905a.pdf

m.flsenate.gov/statutes/61.13