As parental circumstances change, and children mature, there may come a time when it is appropriate to modify a parenting time schedule.

In New Jersey, you can modify a parenting time schedule by executing a Consent Order with your co-parent to memorialize a new agreed-upon parenting time arrangement.

Alternatively, if your co-parent is not willing to amicably modify the parenting time schedule, you will need to file the appropriate motion with the Court.

To be successful with your application in Court, you need to demonstrate there has been a substantial change in circumstance warranting a modification of the parenting time schedule, and that the change is in the children’s best interests. This is a high burden to meet.

An example of a substantial change in circumstance can include but is not limited to:

• One or both parents moving and/or relocating.
• A child having a change in his/her educational needs or schooling.
• A change in a parent’s employment schedule.
• A parent refusing to facilitate his/her co-parent’s relationship and parenting time with the children.
• Abuse within one of the parent’s households.
• A parent suffering from substance abuse issues.

Modifications to parenting time schedules can be challenging. Additionally, a change to a parenting time schedule may also result in the need to review and recalculate child support.