If You Are Not Happy With the Current Child Custody Arrangement, Can You Change It?

I cannot answer this question as it applies to all jurisdictions, but I can answer it as it applies to the jurisdiction where I practice family law (Utah):

Merely because you are not happy with it? No.

But if 1) you are not happy with the child custody and/or parent-time arrangement(3), 2) your co-parent will not agree to make the changes you desire, and 3) you have legally compelling reasons for seeking a change by:

  • a showing of a substantial and material change in circumstances since the entry of the child custody order; and/or
  • a change in circumstances since the entry of the parent-time order.

(Utah Code Section 81-9-208(1))

then you can petition the court to modify the child custody and/or parent-time arrangement(s), if you can show that a modification is in the best interest of the child.

Utah Family Law, LC | divorceutah.com | 801-466-9277