Chesapeake Divorce Modifications Lawyer

Many things can cause you or your former spouse to seek to modify the terms of your child custody and visitation order. A judge may grant a modification for a variety of reasons, including:

• Changes in work schedules
• Job relocation
• Changes in living conditions
• Remarriage or other changes to the household

A significant change in your or your former spouse’s work schedule can create the need to modify your custody agreement or order so that your children get the care they need. In extreme cases where one parent must relocate for their job, a joint custody arrangement may no longer be feasible.

Relocation cases differ significantly from typical modification cases.

If either parent relocates, a judge might reassess the custody arrangement. The decision to modify depends on how the new living conditions and neighborhood differ from the previous environment. Changes that significantly alter your child’s standard of living or safety may prompt adjustments to ensure their well-being.

Remarriage or cohabitation with a new partner can also be grounds for changing a custody arrangement. This modification is especially pressing if the new member of the household poses a potential risk to the health and safety of your children.

Significant changes in either parent’s financial situation can create a need to modify the amount of child support being paid. If the parent paying child support loses their job and experiences at least a 25% reduction in pay, they may no longer be able to afford to make payments at the original rate.

Alternatively, if they receive a significant boost to their earnings (at least 25%), they may be required to make larger child support payments.

Any substantial alterations to the income of the parent receiving child support payments can also cause a judge to grant a modification request. Additionally, changes to the financial needs of your children can be grounds for approving a modification. For example, your child’s costs for school tuition, daycare, medical care, insurance, or other needs decrease or increase by at least 25%.

Of course, any modifications made to the custody agreement or order can affect child support. For example, if primary custody shifts from one parent to the other, the parent who formerly had primary custody and received payments will now likely be responsible for making child support payments.

Modifications to your spousal support agreement or order may be granted if there are significant changes to either party’s household income. For example, if the party who has been receiving spousal support gets remarried, the judge may order the termination of these payments altogether.

Of course, you may not be the one seeking to modify the terms of your divorce agreement or order. If your former spouse petitions the court to make a change, an experienced divorce modifications lawyer in Chesapeake can help ensure your rights are protected.

Even if you and your former spouse agree that a change is warranted, you will likely have different views regarding the specifics of the modification. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we will work to protect your rights and ensure that any modification order is drafted fairly.