The Role of the Child’s Preference in Custody Modifications in South Jordan

What Factors Do Courts Consider When Issuing a Child Custody Order?

Child custody cases can sometimes be complex, but courts in Utah try to reach a favorable decision by considering various crucial factors, including:

• The wishes of both parents
• The child’s ability to get along with each parent and the siblings, if any
• The character and life circumstances of each parent
• The child’s social life in the current home, school, and community
• The need to uphold the child’s stability without major changes

These elements relate to the child’s best interests to ensure their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. South Jordan family law attorneys add that courts may also consider the child’s wishes depending on age and maturity.

When Can a Child Custody Order Be Modified?

You can file a child modification request based on several crucial factors. However, what you consider grounds for modification may not be a permissible reason in court. Generally, the following are some common reasons for child custody modification in Utah:

Substantial Change in Circumstances

One factor Utah courts consider when granting child modification requests is a substantial change in circumstances. This implies that the circumstances of the child or one or both of the parents have significantly changed, affecting the initial child custody order.

Examples of substantial changes that may necessitate a child custody modification include:

• A parent’s relocation out of the state
• The child’s safety concern
• A change in the child’s educational, extra-curricular, or social needs
• The inability of the custodial parent to provide adequate care

Custody modification cases vary from one situation to another, and it would help to consult experienced child custody lawyers in South Jordan to assess your situation and the need for modification. They can also help you file a case and fight for the most favorable outcome.

A Change in the Parent-Child Relationship

The quality and stability of the parent-child relationship are crucial considerations that courts account for in child custody modification cases. Judges evaluate the commitment and involvement of each parent in the overall development and well-being of the child. South Jordan child custody attorneys highlight the following factors when assessing the parent-child relationship:

• The level of support the parent provides
• The parent’s ability to ensure a stable and nurturing environment
• The parent’s ability to provide for the child’s personal needs

Evaluation of the parent-child relationship doesn’t rely on the child’s perception of the relationship. Instead, it determines the parent’s reliability and consistency as a parental figure for the child.

Co-Parenting Issues

A court may grant a request to modify a child custody order if the parents demonstrate unresolved co-parenting issues. The court will assess each parent’s willingness to foster a healthy co-parenting relationship, communicate effectively, and promote a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent.

A history of parental alienation or attempts to undermine the other parent’s interaction or relationship with the child could be used to modify an existing child custody order. It’s always crucial to help your child cultivate a strong and healthy relationship with your co-parent.

Child’s Adjustment and Continuity

Another basis for modifying custody is the child’s adjustment and continuity. Any event that disrupts a child’s established routine and stability can adversely affect their emotional well-being. The court can assess the impact of the changes on the child’s education, social relationships, community ties, and extra-curricular activities.

If changes affect the current child custody order and the child’s adjustment and continuity, you could request a child custody modification. Consult experienced child custody attorneys in South Jordan for legal counsel.

At What Age Can a Child Decide Which Parent to Live With?

Courts in Utah often don’t consider a child’s preference unless they are 14, in addition to other factors. A judge could emphasize the child’s wishes more if they are 16 or older. However, the court has the discretion to factor in these wishes. Skilled child custody attorneys in South Jordan can fight to have your child’s voice heard in court during custody modification.

Is Child Custody Modification in the Child’s Best Interests?

After presenting your reasons for requesting a child modification order, the courts will determine the case outcome based on several factors. Most importantly, they will decide based on the need to uphold the best interests of the child to determine a proper fit without reference to gender:

• The parent who has been the primary caregiver
• The parent with the deepest emotional bond with the child
• The financial resources of both parents
• Each parent’s desire for custody
• If either parent has exposed the child to harmful material, such as pornography
• The extent to which the child is established and happy
• Past conduct, moral standards, and emotional stability of both parties
• The parent who will most likely allow the child to have frequent and continuing contact with the non-custodial parent
• The modification’s impact on the child’s siblings and the importance of keeping them together
• Any significant impairment that makes a parent unable to function, such as drug or alcohol abuse

Modifying a Child Custody Order with the Help of a Skilled Family Law Attorney

Courts evaluate several factors when making child custody determinations. In some cases, judges may consider the preferences and wishes of the child in question, depending on their age and maturity. Despite the child’s wishes, a court will always make a decision that upholds the child’s best interests, so it must evaluate many factors.

Skilled family law attorneys at the RCG Law Group can evaluate your case and help you determine if you have sold grounds for child custody modifications. We can work together to ensure your child’s best interests are upheld, and your parenting rights are protected. Call us at 385-503-3663 to schedule a case assessment.