What must be shown for a modification of custody orders to be granted?

To successfully obtain a modification of custody orders, the petitioner must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances. This requirement exists because custody arrangements are typically established with a focus on the best interests of the child, and the court seeks to maintain stability in the child's life. A substantial change in circumstances provides a clear justification for altering the original custody order, ensuring that changes are made only when there is a significant reason to do so.

For instance, substantial changes could include significant shifts in the parents' living situations, financial conditions, health issues, changes in the child's needs, or evidence that one parent poses a risk to the child’s well-being. This rigorous standard helps prevent frivolous modifications and protects the child's need for consistency and security in their living arrangements.

Other options may not meet the legal threshold required for modification. A minor change in circumstances does not provide sufficient grounds for a significant alteration in custody, while a mutual agreement between parents, while sometimes influential, does not alone guarantee that a court will modify existing orders if it does not align with the child's best interests. Finally, while a court hearing is necessary to determine modifications, it is not a condition in itself that would necessitate a change; rather, the foundation must be established by proving the substantial change in circumstances