RHODE ISLAND Part 26

Changing a final custody order

If a custody order is already in place, how can I get it changed?

If you have a custody order already in place, you can ask the original court that issued the order to make changes to it (modify it).  Generally, you can only ask to have a final custody order modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the order was issued and changing the order would be in the child's best interests (although the exact legal standard can vary from state to state).  For most states, we have more specific information about modifying a custody order.  To check to see if we have this information in your state, scroll up and enter your state in the drop-down menu above.