How to Modify Your Visitation Schedule in Court

Visitation schedules can be modified in court or without going to court. Once the petition for the change is filed, there will be a hearing to attempt to resolve the modification. If it is not resolved, it will move forward to a trial. 

• Contact the other party, and talk about modifying the visitation schedule. Meet with them, and provide a good reason to change the visitation schedule. Get the agreed changes in writing, and file it with the court. If you don’t come to an agreement, learn the court procedures to modify the visitation schedule.


• Read over the modification procedure requirements for your local family court. Review specific procedures that relate to your situation.


• Contact a family law attorney for a free consultation. Get advice about visitation rights and procedures to modify the visitation schedule. It is not required to use an attorney, but their advice could be helpful.


• Visit the local courthouse clerk of court family division. Find out which court you will need to start the process in to modify the visitation schedule. Provide them with information such as case numbers and names on the original child visitation order. Ask them which court division would handle modifying the visitation schedule and which forms to file. They will not be able to give any legal advice.


• Fill out custody/visitation modify forms, and sign them. File the forms with the court. Pay the required fee to the court using certified funds such as cash, cashier’s check or money order. Make sure this is done several months in advance before you want the changes to take place because this can be a long process.


• Gather proof to support the need for a change in the visitation schedule. Provide proof that shows that modification of the visitation schedule is in the best interest of the child.


• Attend the hearing on time, and present your proof and reasons to modify the visitation schedule. Wait for the judge to make a decision.