After a divorce, legal separation, or paternity action, the court enters a parenting plan which specifies the terms of child custody for any child included in the action. However, sometimes the circumstances surrounding the parents’ or children’s lives change sufficiently to warrant a modification of those terms. Washington State child custody modifications are actions brought to make such changes and may be either major or minor modifications.

Minor Washington State child custody modifications include changes merely to the schedule of the parenting plan and do not involve a change in custodial parent. For example, one parent might change his work schedule from day shift to swing shift and would be unavailable for visitation with the children during the evening hours allocated in the parenting plan. In order to maintain consistent visitation, such a parent may have to ask the court to make this change. Other Washington State child custody modifications that are minor might include changing the place for child exchange or changing the specific holiday schedule without reducing one parent’s visitation time.

Other Washington State child custody modification cases are major modifications. A major modification occurs when the seeking party requests a change in the custodial parent or new restrictions on the other parent’s residential time. Major Washington State child custody modifications can occur by agreement of the parties, such as when the parents feel that a child is better off living with the other parent. Keep in mind that even such agreements are subject to the approval of the court. Finally, some major modifications are sought without the affected parent’s agreement in cases of abuse or neglect. Such actions are some of the most difficult Washington State child custody modifications and should be embarked upon with great care.

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