Permanent Change

Submitted by _Jacqui_Marro

Process Overview

 

       Step 1

           Basics

                  •  Learn what can be changed and when.

 

        Step 2

           File

                  •  One or both parents request a change. 
                  •  The case is reopened.

                 

       Step 3

           Respond

                  •  If only one parent requests a change, the other parent responds.
                  •  Skip if you filed together.

 

 

Wait for the Court.

  • The court may decide the request (case closed). Or,
  • The court may order mediation or schedule a hearing (go to Step 4).

 

 

        Step 4

           Prepare

                  •  The parents get ready for a hearing.
                  •  The parents may go to mediation.

 

       Step 5

           Hearing

                  •  The parents present information to the Judge.
                  •  The Judge makes a final decision.

 

After the Final Decision

 

Learn how and when you can:

Enforce

  • Get the other parent to follow the Final Decision.

 

Modify

  • Change the Final Decision.
  • Note - You may need to wait two years before the court will consider another change.

 

Appeal

  • Have a higher court review the Final Decision.