Can I Modify My Custody Agreement in Indiana?

As the holidays approach, many parents in Indiana start asking the same question: How will our custody schedule work this year?

Maybe one parent wants extra time to visit family out of town. Maybe your child’s school break doesn’t line up with your current plan. Or maybe life has simply changed since the last agreement was signed.

If you’re considering a custody modification before or after the holidays, you’re not alone. At Lacy Law Office, our Indianapolis family law attorney can help you understand your options and guide you through the process with care and clarity.

Understanding Custody Modification in Indiana

When circumstances change, the law allows parents to request adjustments that better fit their family’s current needs. Life doesn’t pause for court orders. Common reasons parents seek modifications include:

• Holiday or Travel Conflicts: One parent plans to travel or celebrate with extended family.
• Work Schedule Changes: A new job, shift change, or relocation makes the old schedule unworkable.
• Child’s Growing Needs: As kids get older, their school, health, or emotional needs can evolve.
• Parental Availability: A parent’s ability or inability to meet existing responsibilities consistently.

Legal Grounds for Custody Changes in Indiana

To modify a custody order in Indiana, you must show a substantial change in circumstances since the last order was entered, and that the change benefits your child. Judges often consider:

• The child’s stability and overall well-being
• The strength of each parent-child relationship
• The child’s own wishes, depending on their age and maturity

The Process of Changing Your Custody Agreement

• Consult an Attorney: A knowledgeable Indianapolis family lawyer can evaluate whether your situation qualifies for a modification.
• File a Petition: The process begins by filing a formal petition in family court.
• Show the Change: You’ll need evidence showing how circumstances have shifted and why the change benefits your child.
• Court Review: Both parents can present their sides, and the judge will weigh what serves the child’s best interest.
• New Order Issued: If approved, the court will issue a modified custody order that reflects your family’s new reality.

Making the Process Easier

• Keep Good Records: Note work changes, travel plans, or issues that affect your parenting time.
• Stay Child-Focused: Emphasize how your proposed change supports your child’s routine and happiness.
• Be Cooperative: Courts appreciate when parents show willingness to compromise, especially around the holidays.

Local Insight for Indianapolis Parents

While Indiana’s laws apply statewide, each county court may handle procedures a little differently. Having an attorney familiar with Marion County and surrounding courts ensures you’re following local rules and timelines correctly. That local insight can make the process faster and less stressful during an already busy season.

Talk to Lacy Law Office About Custody Changes This Holiday Season

If your custody agreement no longer fits your family’s schedule or needs, especially as holiday plans approach, Lacy Law Office can help. Our Indianapolis family law attorney understands how emotional these cases can be and will work to protect your rights while keeping your child’s well-being front and center. Contact our family law attorneys today to get started.