Bellevue child custody modifications are law suits that seek to modify some provision of an existing parenting plan. Parents changing careers, children changing schools, and parents not exercising their residential time under a parenting plan are just some of the conditions in which Bellevue child custody modifications arise. Not all changes warrant a full modification action, however, and care should be taken to comply with the legal requirements of all Bellevue child custody modifications.

First, some Bellevue child custody modifications are “minor” modifications and can often be done by agreement. These changes include simple changes to the residential schedule without changing the primary residential parent. For example, a parent may wish to visit with the children on days that comport to a new work schedule. Of course, the primary consideration in all Bellevue child custody modifications is the best interest of the children and not the convenience of the parents.

Other Bellevue child custody modifications are “major” in that they involve a change in residential parent. Sometimes a child, often a teenager, wishes to live with his other parent. However, while the court may consider the wishes of the child under limited circumstances, those wishes are secondary to the overall consider of what is in the child’s best interest. Determining what that “best interest” is in any given Bellevue child custody modification is a complex legal standard and should be explained to you on a case by case basis. Finally, before major Bellevue child custody modifications may be filed certain threshold requirements must be met in order to prevent arbitrary litigation.

For more information about McKinley Irvin, or to contact us about your case, click here.