Custody orders can be modified only when there has been a substantial change in circumstances affecting the welfare of the child. So what can be done when there is a change that is not actually substantial or that has little or no impact on the welfare of the child but which makes the existing parenting plan inconvenient or more expensive for the parents? For example, the work schedule of one parent changes in a way that makes the existing plan very inconvenient or significantly increases that parent’s childcare costs? Or, a child starts playing a new sport where the games are scheduled during the time child is supposed to visit the parent living in another state? Is there any room in the law for allowing minor “tweaks” to custody orders to accommodate normal life changes?

Continue Reading