A strong divorce decree or court order can make the best ending to one of the most dramatic life changes you can face. For many parents, a well-crafted divorce decree can serve them for many years. However, if you, the other parent or a child experiences a change of circumstances, you may need to seek a modification of the divorce agreement or court order.
At Petitt Family Law, we are skilled family law attorneys serving McKinney, TX, and the surrounding areas. When there is a substantial change to finances or employment for you or the other parent, we can assist you in creating and filing a divorce modification. When you need superior legal guidance, schedule a consultation with our family law attorney today.
Benefits of Legal Representation by the Divorce Modification Attorneys at Petitt Family Law
Changes to your divorce decree or court order must be filed in your local family court, similarly to your original divorce papers. Hopefully, a skilled lawyer to prepared your divorce agreement or court order and you will need solid legal advice to create the modify your divorce decree or court order. Trying to negotiate changes without a qualified divorce modification attorney can be full of challenges.
We value forging a strong attorney-client relationship for every case. Trust, integrity, quality, and thoroughness are all guiding principles for our entire team. We dedicate the full resources of our firm to working with you compassionately and knowledgeably.
Our Law Firm Helps You Navigate the Complexities of Divorce Modification
Your divorce decree is the legal document reflecting the end of your marriage. This divorce decree outlines the division of your assets and drives the decisions on child custody and child support. When the situation changes for either parent or a child, you have the right to seek a modification of the final decree of divorce
It is crucial to understand that some alterations, such as seeking an increase or decrease in child support, can trigger harsh feelings and a sense of being attacked. Our family law lawyers can help you hammer out a modification that suits both parties by maintaining a neutral influence. Our caring but objective approach focuses on achieving the best possible outcome.
Types of Divorce Modifications We Handle
Divorce agreements or decrees can cover a wide range of needs for each ex-spouse. In Texas, the most common types involve changes to child custody, visitation or possession and access, and sometimes spousal support. Parents who change residence may also decide to ask for a child custody modification.
Custodial parents can seek a child support modification if the non-custodial parent sees a significant increase in income. Likewise, if the non-custodial parent loses their job, they may request a reduction in their obligations. The office of the Texas Attorney General has many valuable resources on its website to assist you in understanding your options before you speak with our legal team.
Strong feelings around alimony and child support can cloud your thinking. Former spouses may try to hurt one another by fighting over money that is meant to promote the health and well-being of their offspring. At Petitt Family Law, we are devoted to overcoming these roadblocks by crafting a modification agreement that achieves the most satisfactory compromise for everyone.
Alimony, Child Support, and Other Post-Divorce Modifications
The ultimate goal of any divorce decree should be to serve the best interests of the child or children. Seeking changes in alimony, child support, custody, and any other such modifications should be addressed with that goal in mind. You can seek a change to a court order on topics such as:
Alimony or Spousal Maintenance
In Texas, there is a limit on alimony of $5,000 a month or 20% of the non-custodial parent’s income, whichever is greater. The family court will examine each parent’s education and employment history, as well as the needs of the children when rendering a decision.
Child Support
If your financial situation has changed substantially since the original child support order was issued, you can request a modification for the amount you pay. Some common situations in which this may arise include:
- There have been changes in medical and dental coverage, such as the loss of insurance.
- A child experiences a disability or other medical condition that significantly increases their care expenses.
- The child is living with a different parent, such as choosing to move to the non-custodial parent’s home.
- The non-custodial parent has experienced a change in income (increase or decrease).
- The non-custodial parent has other children they are now legally responsible to support.
Child Custody
Child custody can be joint or sole. If circumstances warrant a change, a parent can initiate a custody case to request a modification. For example, if the custodial parent feels the non-custodial parent is no longer able to provide a safe and stable home, they could ask that visitation rights be changed.
Other Reasons to Request a Divorce Modification
You may seek a divorce modification regarding spousal support, child custody, or child support as a result of many circumstances. Courts may grant these changes based on situations such as:
- Either parent remarries.
- Either parent chooses to relocate farther from or closer to the other parent.
- One parent becomes unemployed or gets a promotion, affecting their income.
- Either parent suffers a severe illness or injury.
- Either parent shows indications of drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence, or endangering the child.
- One parent is arrested or convicted and must serve time.
We Are Experienced and Here to Help with Your Divorce Modification Case
At Petitt Family Law, we offer over 20 years of experience with all kinds of cases involving divorce, child support, and child custody. We can assist you with your original case and be there to guide you when the time comes to request modifications. You can rely on our experience and attention to detail to meet your needs and those of your children.
We are committed to helping families in their time of need. We work hard to resolve your legal concerns quickly and completely. Our law firm is committed to building a strong relationship that will let us serve you whenever you need legal representation.
Contact us or call 469-361-2606 to schedule a consultation with our divorce modification lawyers today.
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