Here’s a simple truth: life changes.
You might land a new job, lose one, relocate, or notice your child’s needs evolving. The parenting plan or child support agreement that made sense two years ago might not work anymore.
So what now?
Can you legally change it?
Yes. And in Georgia, there’s a clear process for doing just that.
Let’s walk through how it works in everyday terms.
What Is a Modification?
A modification is when you go back to court and ask to change a previous legal order—like child custody, visitation, or child support.
You’re not asking to undo the divorce—you’re simply saying:
“What we agreed on doesn’t work anymore, and here’s why.”
What Can Be Changed?
In Georgia, you can request a change (also called a “petition for modification”) for:
Child Custody or Visitation
- Switching primary custody
- Adjusting the parenting schedule
- Changing pickup times, holidays, or school-related routines
Child Support
- Increasing or decreasing the amount of monthly support
When Can You File for a Modification?
The court won’t change things just because you want to. You’ll need to show that something significant has changed since the last order.
Valid reasons include:
- One parent moved or plans to move
- A parent got a new job or lost income
- One parent isn’t following the current agreement
- The child’s needs have changed (medical, school, behavior, etc.)
- A major change in the child’s best interest (like concerns about safety or stability)
For custody changes, you can usually file once every two years—or anytime there’s a serious issue.
What Does the Court Look For?
Georgia family courts don’t make changes lightly. Their main focus is the best interests of the child.
They’ll consider:
- Why the change is being requested
- Whether both parents agree or not
- The stability of each household
- Financial circumstances
- Whether the child is being harmed or held back by the current setup
If the child is 14 or older, they may even get a say in where they live.
Can You Modify an Agreement Without Going to Court?
Sort of.
If both parents agree on the changes, a lawyer can help you draw up a revised agreement and file it with the court for approval.
The key? It still has to be approved by a judge.
You can’t make unofficial “side deals” and expect them to hold up in court later.
How Long Does a Modification Take?
It depends on:
- Whether it’s contested or agreed upon
- Which county you’re filing in
- How complicated the changes are
But most modification cases take anywhere from 30–90 days, start to finish—sometimes longer if the other party fights it.
Why Legal Help Matters
You might think filing a modification is just a form or two. But here’s what we often see:
⚠️ People file in the wrong court
⚠️ Forget to include the updated child support worksheet
⚠️ Make verbal agreements with no legal backing
⚠️ End up in court unprepared to explain why the change is needed
At Catherine Ryan Law, we help you:
- Draft the right documents
- Collect the evidence the court wants to see
- Make sure everything is filed properly
- Present your case clearly if there’s a hearing
Life Changes. Your Court Order Can Too.
Whether your child’s needs have grown or your situation has shifted, don’t stay stuck in an outdated agreement.
Let us help you update it the right way—with care, clarity, and confidence.
Schedule a consultation with Catherine Ryan here
We’ll help you get the legal changes you need, without the stress or confusion.