Child Custody Modifications

San Bernardino Family Law Attorney Helping People Obtain Child Custody Modification

Lives change. In day-to-day living, we modify our habits to accommodate these changes. Generally people are able to negotiate needed changes with the other people who are affected. When you are subject to a parenting order, however, you must have any changes approved by the court.

If you need to change your child custody or visitation arrangements, you will need to seek a modification to your parenting order. At the Law Offices of Frank J. Prainito, we guide clients through the process of modifying child custody arrangements. Contact us online or call 909.884.2191 to find out how we can help you.

Making modifications in the best interests of the child

In order to approve a child custody modification, family law courts require parents to show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances and that it will benefit the child to make the change.

In every legal proceeding involving children, the best interests of the children are always paramount. The legal requirements for a child custody modification are complex and are best explained while taking into account your individual situation. Overall, the values that are taken into account include things like:

• Protecting and preserving the child's safety and welfare
• Creating a stable home environment for the child
• Promoting appropriate, loving contact with both parents where possible
• Preserving other loving relationships the child has established

Attorney Frank J. Prainito and our legal team routinely handle petitions for child custody modification that involve:

• Parental relocation — Including both in-state and out-of-state relocations. The courts will consider both how the child will be affected and the reason for the move: a new job, to be closer to family, etc. Read more on our family law blog.
• Step-parent adoptions — When a step-parent wishes to adopt the child of his or her spouse, it may first be necessary to terminate the non-custodial biological parent's rights. The complexity of these cases varies greatly depending on whether the adoption is contested or uncontested.
• Establishing a guardianship — A guardianship may be necessary in a situation where one or both parents are unable to provide for their children. This often involves granting a guardianship to a grandparent or other family member, especially if the courts adjudicate an unfit parent.

Contact Us

To find out more about the legal process of a child custody modification, contact a lawyer online. Or, call 909.884.2191 to schedule an initial consultation with an attorney.