Both parties will inevitably change their lives in the aftermath of a divorce. Due to these changes, altering parts of the divorce agreement may be necessary. Please understand that the only way to change a finalized divorce officially is through the court. You may need to secure the assistance of a Simi Valley modifications attorney. At the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch, our certified family law specialist is ready to work on your behalf today. Let us get started on the changes you need to make.
What changes may need to be made
Many modification issues revolve around child custody. The court will want to do what is in the child’s best interest. California has strict guidelines to ensure parents continue supporting their children despite their changing life situations.
Some of the most common reasons for custody and visitation modification requests include the following:
- One parent relocates: moving can significantly impact both parents’ custody and visitation rights.
- Criminal issues: if one parent gets into trouble with the law, their custody or visitation rights may need to be modified.
- Substance abuse: if one parent suspects or has evidence that the other is abusing drugs or alcohol, they need to seek assistance from the court to investigate the matter and make any necessary changes.
- Physical/sexual abuse: if a parent physically or sexually abuses a child, law enforcement needs to be involved, and custody modifications need to be made.
Changes to child custody may also trigger changes in child support. A family law attorney will be able to help with these modifications.
Changes to spousal maintenance
If the paying spouse’s financial situation changes (improves or declines), the payments may need to be modified. This could also be the case if the receiving spouse remarries or refuses to remarry to attempt to keep their payments coming.
Enforcement orders and modifications
It is vital that both parties in a divorce uphold the court-ordered divorce decree. However, when one side fails to comply with the order, the court may need to seek an enforcement order and a modification.
Modifications through mediation
Our firm offers mediation services to clients wishing to resolve custody or visitation disputes. This can be a less contentious and less expensive route to resolution.
Call us when you need to make some changes
If you realize that changes need to be made to your divorce settlement, please seek advice from a qualified family law attorney. Modifications to a final settlement must be made through the court and not on your own with your former spouse. At the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch, we are ready to help you through this. We understand all aspects of California family law and will work to make this process as smooth as possible. When you need a Simi Valley modifications lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling (818) 707-0202.
