In Reno, Nevada, separated parents will oftentimes have a visitation schedule regarding when each parent will have parenting time with their child. This schedule must be followed and is enforceable by law. If a parent wishes to change the visitation schedule, they can consult a family law attorney and take the following actions.
Two Ways to Modify a Visitation Schedule
- Agreement by both parents: If both parents agree on a slight change of their visitation order, they do not need to go through the court or a family law attorney to get an official modified order and can execute the schedule changes independently of the court.
- Court order: When parents cannot come to an agreement on a modification of a visitation order, they must request the modification through the court. This process can be simplified with the help of a custody attorney.
Reasons for Modification
There are several different reasons for a parent to want to alter a visitation schedule. Some common causes include:
- the long-distance move by one of the parents.
- Change in the parent’s ability to care for the child.
- Permanent change in the parent’s work schedule.
- Change in the child’s needs due to age, health, or the like.
Steps to Modify a Visitation Schedule Through the Court
If it is necessary to go through the court to obtain a modified visitation schedule, the parent should complete the following steps.
- Fill out the paperwork.
- A parent wishing to acquire a court-ordered modified visitation schedule will need to fill out a financial disclosure form and a motion to modify visitation. Within the motion, the parent must include the reason that they are seeking modification and their proposed modification terms.
- File the paperwork.
- The completed paperwork must be filed through the same district court that the case was originally filed in.
- Serve the other parent.
- The other parent must be served the documents through the US Mail.
- Allow the judge to make a decision.
- Once the paperwork has been filed and served, the judge will allow the other parent time to file a response to the motion to modify visitation. The judge will review the case after a reply has been filed. The judge will then make a decision, either through an order or a hearing.
Modification Factors Considered By the Court
- The parent’s visitation preferences.
- The child’s visitation preferences.
- The child’s needs.
- The relationship between the parents and their ability to amicably interact in order to parent the child.
- The mental and physical health of the parents.
- The existing relationship that the child has with each parent.
- Any history of abuse, domestic violence, or child abduction.
If you wish to modify your visitation schedule, contact Carlson & Work of Reno, Nevada today at 775-386-2226. Our experienced family law attorneys can assist you with your child custody and visitation needs.