Get a New Visitation Schedule

Use A Request for Order

When you need to change your visitation schedule you can either make an agreement with the other parent or file a request for order (visitation) with the court. 

Filing a request for order with the court takes more time, your have less control over the outcome, and can be more stressful. But in the event you are unable to communicate with the other parent this is your only option. The most important thing to remember when prepareing your request is your burden of proof, what you must prove to the court in order to change the current schedule. 

Keep in mind that you have to show the court (using your declaration and exhibits) that there has been a “change in circumstances” since the final custody order was made.

This means that there has been a significant change that requires a new custody and visitation arrangement for the best interest of the child.

If the last custody order was only temporary, you only need to show that you requested change is in the best interest of the child (which is less difficult to prove). 

The reason there has to be a significant change is that it is best for children to have stable and consistent custody arrangements with their parents.