As summer turns into fall, it is time to start thinking about school supplies and getting the kids ready for school. Rather than days filled with play and activities, it is time to shift their schedules back into the routine of going to school.
For parents adjusting to sharing custody during changes like school being in session, there can be many questions about the change in logistics.
Here’s what you should know about the impact school can have on your child custody plan.
Typically, not much
Negotiating your child custody agreement may seem like a blur. It can be challenging to recall how you reached your agreement months later when the dust has settled.
In most cases, your child custody agreement will include changes for the summer and the school year. It will also typically address things like vacations or when you need to make minor changes to the schedule.
When do we need to make a formal modification?
There are times when you may need to go to court to make a modification to your child custody agreement. In Minnesota, courts typically want parents to wait one year after their divorce before making any changes, though there are some exceptions.
Outside of the exceptions, modifications typically take place when there is a significant change in lifestyle or circumstances, such as:
- The living environment in one parent’s home becomes unsafe
- One parent moves to another state
- Repeated violations of the original agreement
- Both parents agree to a modification
In many cases, if both parents agree to a change and it is in the child’s best interests, the court will typically approve the modification.
Ideally, you want a child custody agreement that works for everyone. While it may not have everything you want, it should ultimately be an agreement supporting your child.
You should talk to a skilled professional about your child custody agreement and learn more about when you may need to make modifications.