Life Changes Fast: When to Modify Child Custody or Support

When “Lisa” came to us, she was overwhelmed. A single mom of two, she had done everything possible to follow the custody and support plan finalized after her divorce. For years, it provided structure and peace. But then life shifted.

Her ex-husband lost his job, missed support payments, and eventually moved two hours away. The weekly visitation plan that once worked suddenly created chaos, long drives, constant rescheduling, and tears from children caught in the middle.

Lisa told us she felt like she was failing. “The plan just isn’t working anymore,” she said. “But I don’t even know where to start.”

She’s not alone. Life rarely stays the same for long. And when big changes happen, Colorado law allows parents to modify custody or support orders so families can move forward with stability and dignity.

What Counts as a “Major Life Change”?

Courts in Colorado value stability for children, so not every inconvenience qualifies. To modify custody or support, the change must be substantial and ongoing, something that makes the original order unworkable or unfair.

Here are some common examples:

🔷 Relocation – One parent moving far away or out of state
🔷 Job or Income Shifts – A job loss, new career, or major change in earnings
🔷 Health Concerns – Illness or disability impacting a parent’s ability to care for a child
🔷 Safety Issues – New evidence of neglect, abuse, or substance abuse
🔷 Children’s Needs – Medical, educational, or emotional needs that weren’t present before

For Lisa, the combination of relocation and financial instability created a compelling reason to revisit her orders.

The Legal Standard: Best Interests of the Child

When parents ask, “Will the judge even listen to me?” we always remind them: every custody decision comes down to one guiding principle, the best interests of the child.

Judges look closely at:

🔷 The child’s need for stability
🔷 The ability of each parent to cooperate
🔷 School and community ties
🔷 Emotional and physical safety
🔷 Whether the proposed change will reduce stress or create more conflict

This isn’t about punishing one parent or rewarding another. It’s about protecting children and ensuring their lives feel calmer, not more complicated.

How We Helped Lisa Find Stability

Lisa worried about going back to court. She didn’t want a battle, she just wanted a plan that worked for her children.

We guided her step by step:

🔷 Gathering documentation – proof of her ex’s relocation and changes in income
🔷 Filing the motion – making a clear request to the court
🔷 Preparing for mediation – exploring resolution before trial
🔷 Litigating when needed – standing strong in court when negotiation stalled

In the end, the court approved a new arrangement. Lisa became the primary residential parent during the school year, giving her children stability in their routines. Their dad received longer blocks of parenting time during holidays and summers, which worked better with his new location. Support was recalculated fairly, ensuring the kids’ needs were met without creating an impossible burden.

The relief on Lisa’s face when she left the courtroom said it all. “I finally feel like we can breathe again,” she told us.

What the Process Looks Like in Colorado

If you’re considering a modification, here’s what you can expect:

1. Document the changes – Income statements, medical records, or relocation details.

2. File a motion – A formal request that outlines why the change is necessary.

3. Mediation – Courts often encourage resolution outside of trial.

4. Court hearing – If no agreement is reached, the judge will decide.

It can feel intimidating, but with the right guidance, the process becomes a path forward, not another roadblock.

What This Means for Families Like Yours

Life can change in a heartbeat. The plan that once made sense may no longer fit. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means it’s time to adjust.

If you’re staring at a custody schedule that leaves your child exhausted, or a support order that no longer reflects reality, you have options. And you don’t have to navigate them alone.

Moving Forward With Confidence

At Dunsing Law, we help parents move from fear to clarity, from chaos to structure, from conflict to resolution. Our role is to be the steady hand in the storm, protecting your children’s best interests while giving you the confidence to take the next step.

If your situation has changed, don’t wait until the stress becomes unbearable. Schedule a free consultation today and let us help you create a custody or support plan that truly works for your family’s future.