Just like how a child grows and changes, a custody agreement can adapt with the times. While automatic changes are not often set in place, you can petition family courts to modify a custody agreement and make official changes.
Consider modifications once a child has entered middle school. Middle school can come with a lot of change, and the transition offers a unique opportunity to modify custody agreements and create a different visitation schedule for you and your child. Check out some of the reasons to modify the schedule and what to put on your forms when you apply.
1. Homework and School Assistance
Middle school comes with some big academic changes for children. Your child may find they have more homework and more studying to do on a nightly basis. If you are available during the after-school hours, then you could seek out modifications in the custody agreement to help a child with homework.
If you were originally just limited to weekends, you could expand your time to specific days of the week and be there to help a child with homework after school. You can sit down with them and go over specific subjects or just be a presence if they ever have any questions about the homework.
2. Sports and After School Activities
Middle school is a common time for children to sign up for more sports and activities. Your child could stay after school to play in sports or other activities like band. No matter what they are in, you may lose out on some of your time due to the activities. If you find yourself with less time with the child due to activities, you may seek out more time on weekends or holidays.
The extra time allows you to have more bonding with your child and create a new routine that goes along with the middle school schedule. Sports and activities can change from season to season, so plan ahead to anticipate what times and days will be more available. You may seek out a more even split among the free days.
You may also seek visitation to properly attend all of the games and activities. In some cases, your custody agreement may limit your appearance or attendance at the games. A lawyer could help you modify the agreement to ensure you get to go to all of the activities, even if the child doesn't come home with you afterwards.
3. Middle School Location
If a child's middle school is at a different location, then the new school could impact custody. For example, your home could be closer to the middle school than the other parent's residence. A change in a custody agreement could allow your child to take the bus home directly to your house. The shorter distance would mean a shorter bus ride for the child.
The reduction in travel time could be seen as a benefit for the child, as they get to spend more time with a parent and have more time to complete after school homework and projects. If you live closer, you may also agree to pick up the child after school and reduce their transportation time.
The custody agreement could exclusively focus on after-school time. For example, you may not keep the child overnight but could transport them back home for dinner. The schedule depends on work schedules and flexibility between the parents. A lawyer can help negotiate the specific terms.
For help with your legal paperwork and proceedings, contact us at
David Wilson, Attorney At Law. We will help you with your child's transition to middle school and prevent any clerical errors from causing delays. We years of experience fighting for custody agreements in California, we will do everything we can to help.
