Modification of Parenting Time – Statutory Guidelines

For Full Information on Motions to Modify Parenting Time, click here:

1. Minn Stat §518.175, Subd. 5 – Modification of Parenting Plan or Order for Parenting Time.  A parenting time schedule may be modified by motion using the best interest standard.  Griffin v. Van Griffin, 267 N.W.2d 733, 735 (Minn. 1978).   The best interest factors are set for in Minn. Stat. §518.17, Subd. 1a.   

2. Minn. Stat. 518.17, Subd. 1a lists 12 separate factors and your supporting affidavit with exhibits should specifically address each of those factors.  

3. Minn. Stat. 518.18 identifies when a person may seek to modify a parenting time schedule. 
   • You cannot file a motion to modify parenting time earlier than one year from the date of the judgment and decree/previous order setting parenting time.  Minn. Stat. §518.18(a). 
   • If a motion to modify parenting time was heard and an order was issued from that prior hearing, then you may not file a motion to modify parenting time earlier than two years from that prior order.  §518.18(b). 
   • If endangerment exists (this may also be an emergency situation – see Outline for Ex Parte Motions for Emergency Relief), then you may file a motion to modify parenting time at any time.  §518.18(c). 
4. The parenting time schedule will not be changed unless the Court finds that a change has occurred in the circumstances of the parties or child and that the modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child.  Minn. Stat. §518.18(d). 
   • Changed Circumstances – 518.18(d).  The moving party must demonstrate that the circumstances of the child or the parties has substantially changed from those at the time the most recent order for parenting time was entered.  Nice-Peterson v. Nice-Petersen, 310 N.W.2d 471, 472 (Minn.1981).    
   • Best Interests – 518.18(d).  The moving party must show that the requested modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child.  See Minn. Stat. 518.175 (2025).  A proper motion must include a detailed analysis of each of the best interest factors.   
5. Motions to modify parenting time based on the persistent and willful interference with court-ordered parenting time – Minn. Stat. §518.18(c).  Another basis to support a request to modify parenting time exists if your client can show that the other party has denied or interfered with your client’s parenting time.   
   • Practice Tip: The statute does not identify an exact time period that the alleged interference or denial of parenting time must have occurred before filing your motion, but the longer the period, the stronger your case. 
6. Notice Timeline.   
   • Rule 303.01: You must give written notice to the opposing attorney or unrepresented opposing party within two days of securing a motion hearing date from court administration.  Notice can be sent in an email – there is no specific form that is needed.  Notice should contain the day, time, and judicial officer who will preside over the hearing, and a statement of the main issue(s) that will be in your motion. 
   • Rule 303.03.  Your motion must be served 21 days (+3 for unrepresented clients) before the hearing date, and you must pay the motion filing fee. 
     • Notice of Motion: Your notice of motion must contain the day, time, name of the judge (if known), and location; i.e., Blue Earth County Justice Center.  If the hearing is going to be via Zoom, you must include the Zoom meeting ID and passcode. 
       • Your notice must contain the following: 
       • The Rules establish deadlines for responding to motions. All responsive pleadings shall be served and filed with the court administrator no later than 7 days before the scheduled hearing. The court may, in its discretion, disregard any responsive pleadings served or filed with the court administrator less than 7 days before such hearing in ruling on the motion or matter in question. 
       • You must pay the required motion filing fee. 
     • Supporting Documents: Along with the notice of motion, you must serve and file relevant supporting affidavits and exhibits, and any memorandum of law in support of your motion. 
       • Practice tip: File a proposed order 
       • Practice tip: Request a temporary and permanent modification of custody and parenting time.  The request for a temporary modification of custody and parenting time applies to the time period between the motion hearing date and the date the court issues its order following the motion.  
     • The responding party must serve and file their responsive pleadings 14 days before the hearing date if raising new issues or 7 days before the hearing date if simply responding to the issues raised in your motion. 
       • Responsive pleadings must include relevant affidavits and exhibits and may include a memorandum of law. 
       • If you are the responding party, you must pay any required motion filing fee regardless of whether your responsive motion raises new issues or not. 
   • Be aware that more than 54.9% P.T. OR changing primary residence will be considered modification of custody. Minn. Stat. 518.175 subd. 5(b) 
7. Certification of Settlement Efforts:  You must contact the other party if not represented or the opposing attorney to discuss the potential for settlement.  The certificate of settlement efforts must be filed no later than 24 hours before the scheduled motion.