Modifying a Parenting Plan

Parenting plans often need adjustment as children grow, schedules change, or family circumstances shift. This page explains when modifications are allowed, what courts look for, and how parents can request changes while keeping the child’s needs at the center.

When Modifications Are Allowed

Courts allow changes to a parenting plan when there has been a meaningful shift in circumstances that affects the child. Parents can also agree to changes on their own, but formal modifications require court approval to be enforceable.

Common reasons for modification include:

A significant change in a parent’s work schedule
A move that affects parenting time
Ongoing conflict or communication issues
A child’s developmental or educational needs
Safety concerns or unmet medical needs
A parent’s inability to follow the existing plan
A substantial change in the child’s routine or stability

Not all changes qualify. Courts look for adjustments that truly impact the child’s best interests.

Trying to Resolve Issues First

Before filing for a modification, most courts expect parents to try resolving disagreements on their own. Judges want to see that both parents made a genuine effort to communicate and consider the child’s needs before asking the court to step in.

Parents can try:

Reviewing the original parenting plan together
Talking through the issue by text, email, or a parenting app
Using a mediator or neutral third party
Adjusting the schedule temporarily to see what works
Documenting recurring problems or concerns
Returning to the written schedule if no agreement is reached

If these attempts fail or the situation involves safety concerns, parents can move forward with a formal request.

What Courts Look For

When reviewing a request to modify a parenting plan, judges focus on whether the proposed change supports the child’s well-being. The court will consider the reasons for the request, the level of conflict between parents, and how the child is doing under the current arrangement.

Courts commonly evaluate:

Whether there has been a substantial change in circumstances
How the current plan is affecting the child’s stability
Each parent’s ability to follow the existing plan
Communication patterns and cooperation between parents
The child’s school, medical, and developmental needs
The practicality of the proposed schedule
Any safety concerns raised by either parent

The goal is always to protect the child’s best interests—not to reward or punish either parent.

How to Request a Modification

If parents cannot agree on changes, the next step is to request a formal modification through the court. The process varies by state, but most parents follow a similar set of steps to ask a judge to review and update the parenting plan.

Typical steps include:

Filing a petition or motion to modify the parenting plan
Explaining the change in circumstances and why a new plan is needed
Submitting documentation that supports the request
Providing the other parent with notice of the filing
Attending mediation if required by the state or court
Participating in a court hearing if the parents cannot agree
Following the existing plan until the court issues a new order

Once a modification is approved, the updated order replaces the prior version and becomes legally enforceable.

Temporary Changes vs. Permanent Modifications

Parents often make small adjustments to the schedule without going to court, especially for vacations, special events, or short-term changes at work. These temporary changes are allowed as long as both parents agree and the child’s routine remains stable. However, long-term or significant changes require a formal modification to become enforceable.

Temporary changes may include:

Switching weekends for a special event
Adjusting pick-up or drop-off times
Allowing extra time during holidays or family gatherings
Helping each other during illness or emergencies
Short-term schedule changes due to work or travel

A permanent modification is needed when the change affects the ongoing routine or significantly alters parenting time.

Temporary Changes vs. Permanent Modifications

Parents often make small adjustments to the schedule without going to court, especially for vacations, special events, or short-term changes at work. These temporary changes are allowed as long as both parents agree and the child’s routine remains stable. However, long-term or significant changes require a formal modification to become enforceable.

Temporary changes may include:

Switching weekends for a special event
Adjusting pick-up or drop-off times
Allowing extra time during holidays or family gatherings
Helping each other during illness or emergencies
Short-term schedule changes due to work or travel

A permanent modification is needed when the change affects the ongoing routine or significantly alters parenting time.

Making changes to a parenting plan can help ensure the arrangement continues to meet your child’s needs as life evolves. Understanding the modification process and documenting concerns can make requests clearer and easier to resolve. If you're preparing to propose changes, the Parenting Toolkit offers worksheets and templates to help you organize your plans and communicate more effectively.