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Child Visitation Modification: What Qualifies as a Substantial Change in Circumstances?


Complying with the agreed child visitation might not be easy for some. Over time, something might have changed in your life as a parent while under the child visitation rules, which could be remarrying, loss of employment, or relocation.

Any life changes to separated or divorced parents could play a vital role in modifying the initial child visitation agreement. Which, for some reason, would not be in favor of a visiting parent or the other parent that carries worries for the child if the modification would not happen.

A Calvert County child visitation attorney can help you understand these circumstances that could modify the visitation to your child. Continue reading and know the actions you can do with a modification attorney in Calvert County.

Child Visitation Laws

Child custody laws give parents the right to physical custody and legal custody.

Physical custody is the right to have your child live with you.

Legal custody permits you to make life-altering major decisions about that child, such as terms of care or where they go to school.

There are many instances where both parents have joint custody.  This is where the child’s time splits between the two parents as evenly as possible.  Hence, one parent has visitation rights while the kid is in the custody of the other.

In  Maryland, a child visitation is a limited form of custody.

Child visitation laws govern the rights of a parent who does not have custody of his children. These laws dictate the terms that allow the visiting parent to see their child, usually repeatedly.

There may be differences in these laws that coincide with the state that the parent’s child lives in. Not only do they encompass visitation, but also issues such as child support payments and any changes in the custody arrangements.

What is a Substantial Change in Circumstances?

One of the most significant reasons consider a “substantial change ” in a parent’s circumstance that could modify the visitation is the stability of the noncustodial parent.

Also, emotional, mental, or physical instability could seriously impact the child’s welfare. Thus, it heavily qualifies for the visitation modification to a child.

If you are a custodial parent who sees signs of this occurring, you may report it to the legal authorities.  You can then file, not just for modification but even withdrawal of visitation rights either wholly or partially. A child visitation attorney in Calvert County can help handle the process.

When determining if a modification of the child’s visitation schedule by the other parent should occur, there are several things the judge will look at.  They include the following:

  • The wishes of that child
  • How will the change affect the child
  • The child’s age
  • Whether the change will affect the stability of that child
  • If it is a reasonable modification for both parents

How Often Can You Modify Child Visitation

As long as circumstances require you as a parent to request the modification for visitation, you may do so. The child’s welfare is the most important thing — how the proposed change will affect your kid.

Hire Visitation Modification Attorney in Calvert County

No matter how open it can be for parents like you to request modifications, everything will not go as easily as you think.

Hiring a visitation modification attorney in Calvert County would be your advantage to ensure that your right as a parent is not at stake.

The Law Office of Robert Castro has expertise in the laws regarding both child visitation and child custody. No matter which side you happen to be on, your representative will ensure the protection of your parental rights.

We will do this with the best intentions for the children at heart. You can count on receiving the best representation you need for your case. Call us today!

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