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By LegalMatters Staff • The parenting agreement ex-spouses reach after a relationship breakdown may have to be modified in the years to come. There are various reasons why that could happen.
“Over time, the agreement – which spells out who has parenting responsibility and what is the parenting time division – may no longer suit the parties involved since personal circumstances change,” says Edmonton family lawyer Graeme Kluge.
“Maybe your children’s needs have changed. Maybe they want to participate in extracurricular activities at school but are unable to under the current parenting schedule,” he says. “Or perhaps there has been a change in your work schedules. A significant change in either parent’s work schedule will affect their ability to adhere to the existing parenting schedule.”
Kluge says the age of the children will also be a factor.
“As children grow, they will want more freedom and time alone than the existing parenting plan allows,” he says. “Once they turn 18 children are considered adults and free to live where they choose.”
The level of support payments may also have to be changed, Kluge says, especially if the payor cannot meet the commitments set out in the agreement.
“If the parenting plan was reached outside of court, a new agreement can be reached by the ex-partners through discussion or with help from a family mediator.,” he says. “If no agreement can be reached, the parent requesting the modification can apply to the court for direction.
