As the divorce decree is handed down, it normally sets how parental responsibilities are split between the two parents. However, circumstances for one or both parents can change over time. While one parent may have worked a job with flexible hours, allowing her to take on a majority of the parenting time hours, she may have had to switch careers, and now works an office job that requires her to be away from home 9 to 5. On the other hand, one parent who hadn’t been able to take as much parenting time previously may get a job that involves working from home, allowing him to spend more time with his child.
When these things occur, one of the parents can request a change to the parenting responsibilities through a post-decree dispute. In order for the change to be considered and approved, the parent who requested it must be able to show the court that:
There has been a significant change in circumstances since the original order
The new change would be best for the child
Any possible benefits of the change would outweigh any potential harm
Keep in mind that the court will always put the best interests of the child above everything else. If a change in parenting responsibilities will help the child grow and develop properly, then the court will probably approve the post-decree dispute. However, if the change could cause significant harm to the child’s wellbeing, such as if it involves moving the child to a new state where he doesn’t have a support system, then the court will most likely reject the post-decree request.