8 Parenting time

When a judge decides how much time each parent gets to spend with a child, the decision has to be based on what is best for the child. The judge can look at a few different sources to help figure this out: standard guidelines included in the court's rules (Appendix C), guidelines that the local court has set up, or a written agreement that both parents have already agreed to.

If a parent wants to change an existing parenting time schedule, they can't just ask for it. They have to file a motion that explains the specific facts and reasons behind the request, and this has to be backed up with a sworn statement or affidavit. This means you need real evidence or solid reasons, not just a general request for change.

The judge also has the power to say no to the request right away if the facts presented don't give a good enough reason to move forward. This means the court won't waste time on requests that don't show a real need for change.