Is it Time for a Modification?

Co-Parenting is a dance that divorced couples with children must perform together for a lifetime. The choreography is spelled out in the parenting plan. Sometimes that choreography works, and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it works until it doesn’t.

How do Co-Parents know when a modification is necessary? Honestly, most parenting plans can use a tune-up from time to time. Think about major changes that happen in the lives of your children or even in your own life. Any major change might signal the need for a modification.

Children go through different stages as they grow and develop. As a child moves from daycare to kindergarten or enters those fun teen years, Co-Parents should assess and adjust. Adjustments will probably need to be made to accommodate new activities at each stage - debate tournaments, sports practices, ballet class, etc. Points to consider include how many activities the children can join, what type of activities, who will take them to practice and events, and who will pay the expenses for each activity. It is also important to revisit the possession schedule as children grow up. Will there be flexibility if it’s Mom’s weekend, but Junior wants Dad to take him to an out of town soccer tournament? Or if visiting Dad out of town falls on Homecoming weekend?

The parents may have changes in their own lives as well that would indicate that it’s time for a modification. If a parent paying child support has a significant increase or decrease in income, it might be necessary to modify the amount paid. Changes in work schedules, remarriage of one parent, or a move to another city would all be good reasons to revisit the parenting plan.

Bottom line, it’s hard to dance well when the floor keeps moving beneath you. Hopefully your parenting plan already has provisions for changing circumstances, but that’s not always the case. Co-Parents can avoid conflict over changing situations by staying on top of the situation and seeking a modification when necessary.

If you think your parenting plan needs a tune-up, or even a major overhaul, contact Kimberly Barahona at kbarahona@bcmediation.net or call 832-439-3581.. There is no charge for a consultation via email or phone.