If you have a parenting plan in place in New Hampshire but your circumstances have changed, you may need to modify the plan. A parenting plan outlines the terms and conditions of child custody and visitation. It is a legally binding agreement between parents and is created to ensure the best interests of the child are being met. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to modify a parenting plan in New Hampshire.
Reasons To Modify A Parenting Plan
There are several reasons why you might want to modify a parenting plan. These may include changes in your family’s circumstances or the needs of your child. Some common reasons for modifying a parenting plan include:
- A change in work schedule or location
- A relocation of one of the parents
- The child’s needs have changed
- A change in the child’s school or extracurricular activities
- A change in the financial situation of either parent
- A parent’s desire to modify the plan to have more time with the child
Steps To Modify A Parenting Plan
If you have a parenting plan in place and need to modify it, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure the changes are legally binding. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Talk With Your Co-Parent
The first step in modifying a parenting plan is to talk with your co-parent. You should discuss the reasons why you want to modify the plan and try to come to an agreement about the changes. It’s important to be open and honest with your co-parent about the changes you want to make and listen to their concerns.
Step 2: Make The Changes To The Plan
If you and your co-parent have agreed to make changes to the parenting plan, you will need to make the changes to the plan in writing. You should include the changes you agreed to and have both parents sign the new plan. You should also have the new plan notarized to make it legally binding.
Step 3: File The Modified Plan With The Court
After you have made the changes to the parenting plan, you will need to file the modified plan with the court. You will need to fill out the appropriate forms and provide a copy of the new plan to the court. The court will review the new plan to ensure it is in the best interests of the child before approving it.
Step 4: Attend A Court Hearing
If the court approves the modified parenting plan, you will need to attend a court hearing to make the changes legally binding. The judge will review the new plan and ask you and your co-parent any questions they may have. If the judge is satisfied that the new plan is in the best interests of the child, they will approve it and make it legally binding.
Step 5: Follow The New Plan
Once the new plan is approved by the court, both parents will need to follow it. It is important to remember that the parenting plan is a legally binding agreement, and failure to follow it can result in legal consequences.
Conclusion
Modifying a parenting plan can be a complicated process, but it is important to ensure that the best interests of the child are being met. If you need to modify your parenting plan in New Hampshire, you should talk with your co-parent, make the changes to the plan in writing, file the modified plan with the court, attend a court hearing, and follow the new plan. Working with a family law attorney can help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that your rights as a parent are protected.