Divorce comes with a lot of changes. One of these is a change to the child’s living arrangements. Ideally, the court encourages both parents to work out a co-parenting plan that works for both parties while addressing the best interests of the child.
If parents cannot work out a parenting plan, however, the court will have to intervene and rule on a custody and visitation order. This order, just like any other court decree, is binding. But what happens if, down the road, you come to the realization that your co-parent is not fit for custody?
Child custody can be modified
If you have concerns about your co-parent’s ability to execute their parenting duties, don’t sit back and do nothing about it. New Hampshire laws allow you to petition the court for custody review and modification as long as such action is in the best interests of the child.
Subject to the nature of your concerns, the court may terminate the parent in question’s custody and visitation rights. Of course, this is a drastic step, thus, the reason for the termination must equally be significant.
Here are five instances when the court can terminate parental rights in New Hampshire:
- Child abandonment
- Continuous negligence or refusal to provide basic care (education, food, medical needs and shelter)
- Child abuse (physical, emotional or sexual)
- Health problems (mental or physical) that render the parent incapable of caring for the child
- Incarceration due to a felony offense
Protecting your child’s best interests
Every parent is concerned about their child’s well-being. If you, however, are concerned about your ex’s ability to care for the child (either as the custodial or visiting parent), you need to act immediately. Learning more about New Jersey child custody and parental rights can help you safeguard your child’s best interests at all times.
