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March 18, 2013

Child Custody and Support

Adjusting Child Custody Arrangements or the Amount of Child Support

Can the parents make changes without going to court?

If parents voluntarily wish to change custody, they may do so without having to prove special factors such as endangerment or a change in circumstances. Parents may change custody without obtaining a court order, but if the parent receiving custody wants to make the modification “official”—thus making it more difficult for the other parent to regain custody—it is best to obtain a court order modifying custody.

In addition, an informal change of custody will not necessarily stop a parent’s support obligation—only a court order can provide certainty of that.

>>What are some typical reasons for a change in custody?
>>Once custody has been awarded, when can the other parent try to get it changed?
>>What if the child wants to live with the other parent?
>>What are some typical reasons for changing child support arrangements?
>>What happens if the parent who has custody wants to move to another state?
>>Can the parents make changes without going to court?


Practical Law Home | Child Custody & Support Home | Deciding Factors in Awarding Child Custody
Issues Surrounding Visitation | Setting Guidelines for Child Support
*Adjusting Child Custody Arrangements or the Amount of Child Support*