Asheville Child Custody & Visitation Modification Attorney

There are several reasons why a previous child custody and visitation order may no longer be the right fit for your family. There may be significant life changes for you or your ex-partner, or the order may no longer fit your child’s interests. Though not everything qualifies your custody or visitation court order for modification, some changes will. It’s useful to work with an attorney experienced in child custody court order modifications to determine if your circumstances allow for modification.

At Parsons Law, PA, we are dedicated to helping families maneuver the complexities of the family law system. You and your ex-partner may both want the same modifications made, or you may disagree about the interests of your child or children. It’s important that your viewpoint is represented. We advocate for your parental rights and your child’s interests, and we can help you in mediation and in court. When you work with our experienced Asheville family law attorneys, we provide you with legal guidance while aiming to lessen the impact of stress on your children.

Initial Determination of Child Custody and Visitation

North Carolina courts focus primarily on the interests of the child when determining visitation and custody. Many factors are considered, including:

• Where the child currently lives, goes to school, and receives healthcare
• The distance between where parents live
• The child’s relationship with each parent
• Each parent’s ability to care for a child
• The requests of each parent
• The safety of the child, such as any instances of domestic violence accusations

The court then provides a court order that will outline custody and visitation.

Court Order Modification of Custody

However, life changes for many families, and initial court orders may not always fit new circumstances. If a significant change has adversely affected your child’s life, you can apply for modification. Or, if the other parent has violated the court-ordered terms, you can also motion for modification.

Reasons to Modify Custody and Visitation Orders

You have to prove that there is a significant reason for child custody modification. This is because the court wants to ensure that children don’t see too much change in their custody and visitation, as that, too, can have an adverse effect. A significant reason for modification may be one or multiple of the following examples:

• The child’s wishes have changed, such as from the result of growing up or a soured relationship with a parent
• The child is no longer safe or healthy in the current custody arrangement
• One parent is relocating, and the previous orders are no longer practical
• One or both parents are unable to continue taking care of their child
• Child neglect, abuse, domestic violence, or other dangerous circumstances
• One or both parents have remarried
• A parent has a drug or substance misuse dependency
• Changes need to be made for the child’s needs or specific schedules
• One parent has tried to alienate or otherwise turn a child against the other parent

You will have to show evidence of these reasons and prove that they adversely impacted your child’s physical or emotional health. A family lawyer is able to help you gather the necessary evidence and advocate for modification effectively.

The Process of North Carolina Custody Modification

When you work with an attorney, they can help you file the necessary forms to file a motion for modification. Then, North Carolina requires you to go through a Custody Mediation Program. This doesn’t mean that you and your ex-partner need to reach an agreement during mediation, but the goal is a discussion about your child’s needs and interests. Ideally, you both come to an agreement for modifications. If mediation does not lead to an agreement, then the decision is taken to court for a hearing.

Contested Custody Modifications

When you and the parent of your child can’t come to an agreement or your ex-partner actively contests the modifications you are requesting, it’s particularly important to have legal representation. An attorney can act as a third-party mediator in mediation or advocate for you and your child’s interests in a hearing. While it’s often useful for parents to reach a compromise together, this isn’t always possible. Be sure to protect your parental rights.