How do I change my current child custody/visitation arrangement?

Only the court has the power to modify child custody arrangements to meet the needs of the child and to respond to changes in the parents' lives due to illness, a job change, etc. Usually, a parent who is seeking a change through the court must be able to show that conditions have changed substantially since the last custody order. Any changes to the existing custody agreement must be presented to the court, which will render a decision based on what it determines to be in the best interests of the child. A list of courts is available on the National Center for State Courts website.

Laws, policies, and procedures related to child custody matters vary from state to state. You may want to consult with and/or obtain the services of an attorney in your state who practices family law. If you need assistance locating an attorney, you may contact the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA website highlights a variety of services, including the Find Legal Help web section, which provides pro bono attorney referrals and more. The website also provides links to free, state legal hotlines for individuals to call and speak to a lawyer, pro bono services for special populations, and "unbundled" legal services (which means that individuals can handle part of the legal work themselves to save costs). A listing of pro bono law schools is also available on the ABA website.

In addition, the Child Find of America Parent Help program (1.800.716.3468) offers free, confidential, telephone-based services to parents in conflict.

The National Parent Helpline (1.855.4.A-PARENT [1.855.427.2736]) can connect callers to a trained helpline advocate for emotional support, referrals, and other support resources.