Although divorce agreements are made with the future in mind, life is subject to drastic changes. It is not uncommon for significant changes in circumstances to occur that necessitate a modification. If you need help altering your child custody, child support, or spousal support arrangements, a Fairfield divorce modifications lawyer from Reich & Truax, PLLC, can support you. Together, we can advocate for a new divorce agreement that is equitable and fair.
Divorce Decree Modifications in Fairfield, Connecticut
A divorce modification is a change made to an original divorce arrangement. Divorce modification cases can involve legal changes to matters related to child support, child custody, spousal support, or visitation rights. Modifications cannot be automatically made and must be approved by a family court in Connecticut. Furthermore, a significant change in circumstances must be proven.
Some common reasons for pursuing a modification of the original divorce decree include the following:
- Relocation of a parent. If one of the parents moves to another state or city, this can have serious implications for the existing custody arrangement or visitation order.
- Significant changes in income. If the financial situation of one parent significantly changes, this can have implications on issues such as spousal support and child support payments. Examples of drastic changes in income could be if a parent becomes disabled and can no longer work, if they are laid off, or if they receive a sudden increase in wages or assets.
- Changes regarding the child’s needs. Throughout their development, a child can have drastic changes in needs related to key issues such as education, health, or extracurricular activities.
- Developed health problems. A severe health condition or disability developed by a parent or child can significantly impact implications for terms originally agreed upon in the divorce decree.
- Remarriage of a parent. If a previous spouse remarries, it can significantly impact existing spousal support or child custody arrangements.
A skilled Fairfield divorce modification lawyer from our firm has the experience required to help you navigate the challenges you face while modifying your existing divorce agreement. We can help you leverage key legal strategies to ensure modifications are just and adequately reflect current circumstances.
Legal Services for Divorce Modifications Offered By a Skilled Attorney
A Fairfield divorce modifications lawyer from our firm can help you navigate various legal matters related to your divorce modification. We can help you with the following:
- Child custody and visitation modifications. New child custody and visitation modifications can be made if certain circumstances have dramatically changed, and it is proven that these alterations are in the best interests of the child.
- Child support modifications. If the child’s needs or financial situation of either parent has significantly changed, child support arrangements can be modified by requesting a modification with the court. Evidence will need to be presented to advocate for the new arrangement.
- Alimony modifications. If you or your spouse have had a sudden change in income, an experienced attorney can support you by filing for a modification or terminating an alimony agreement.
- Relocation modifications. If you or your spouse are relocating to another city or state, it’s important to work with a lawyer who can help you ensure compliance with existing orders or agreements.
- Enforcement of court orders. If your ex-spouse is not respecting existing divorce agreements or modifications, court orders can be enforced to ensure they comply.
- Emergency motions. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to file emergency motions to advocate for temporary changes to custody, visitation, or support orders.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the divorce modification process, a compassionate and skilled attorney from our firm can help you navigate these complex legal processes. We can help you secure a new arrangement that is reasonable and fair.
FAQs:
To request a divorce modification in Connecticut, you should file a motion for modification with the family court. In the motion, reasons for changing your existing divorce agreement should be stated, in addition to supporting documentation. Evidence can include proof that circumstances have changed, as well as medical reports and pay stubs. After the court has received your request, they will assign a hearing to review the request and issue a determination.
In Connecticut, a divorce decree can be modified if there is a serious change in circumstances for the children or the ex-spouses. People may change their divorce decrees for reasons including job changes, deteriorated health, or relocation of a parent. Upon requesting a divorce modification, the requesting party will need to show clear evidence of these changes in circumstances.
Yes, if circumstances have significantly changed after a child support arrangement has been made, a modification can be requested. Common reasons for modification of child support arrangements include:
- A party received a job promotion.
- A party was laid off from their job.
- The child has had a recent diagnosis of a mental or physical condition.
- A party has developed a severe disability.
A skilled family lawyer can help you understand if a child support modification is necessary for you.
Yes, it is possible to modify a divorce decree without having to go to court. After the modifications have been agreed upon, however, the modification must still be brought before a judge and confirmed in order to be enforced. Even if both parties are in agreement about the new modification terms, the courts will need to verify that the terms are fair and in the best interests of any children involved.
Ensure Your Divorce Agreement Reflects Your Current Situation With a Skilled Lawyer
Divorce is a lengthy and emotional process, and reaching a final agreement can take a long time, depending on the circumstances. If your current situation has changed, you may be reluctant to deal with the demanding legal processes. A Fairfield divorce modifications lawyer from Reich & Truax, PLLC, can evaluate your case and help you determine if a modification is necessary.
We can handle the legal complexities so you can avoid the headaches involved with the court processes. Contact us today to speak with a member of our legal team.