POST DIVORCE MODIFICATIONS
GUIDING YOU THROUGH POST DIVORCE MODIFICATIONS
Maryland law provides for modification of existing court orders and Judgments of Absolute Divorce concerning child custody, child access and visitation schedules, child support, and alimony. The Court can modify child custody, child access and visitation schedules and child support when there has been a material change in circumstances from the time the order was entered. A change in circumstances could relate to either parent, the children, or the parents’ financial circumstances. Similarly, if there has been a change in either party’s job status, income, or other financial circumstances the Court can modify or terminate alimony.
helping you in family court
Post Divorce Modification of Existing Court Orders
At SmollonLaw, our attorneys can help you seek a modification of a court order in cases involving:
- Decreasing Child Support or Alimony: If you lose your job or suffered reduced income for other reasons you may be eligible to reduce your child support or alimony payments via modification. In some instances you may even be able to terminate the requirement that you pay alimony to your former spouse.
- Increasing Child Support: If the parent paying child support receives an increase in income, or if certain expenses for the children increase substantially, you may petition the court to increase the amount of support paid each month.
- Changing Child Custody: Custody may be changed if either parent’s, or the children’s, circumstances substantially change after a court order is entered. Changes might include a custodial parent’s lifestyle, relocation by either parent, or problems with the children’s schooling.
- Changing Visitation: If your current visitation schedule is negatively impacting the children, or if either parent’s circumstances have changed to create a need for more or less visitation, you may file a motion seeking to change the schedule.
- Relocation of a Child: A custodial parent may need permission from the court (or agreement from the parent with visitation rights) to relocate a child. Our lawyers represent both parents who want to move away and parents who are opposed to a child’s relocation.
- Removal of a Child: If a parent removes a child from Maryland without court approval, our lawyers can petition the court to require the child’s return or a change in custody.
Enforcing Child Support, Child Access and Visitation and Alimony
Our attorneys are also experienced in helping clients seek enforcement of existing court orders and Judgments of Absolute Divorce concerning child custody, child access and visitation, child support, alimony, and the disposition of marital property. If the other party refuses to comply with a court order a Judge can find them in contempt, order make up child access and visitation, require make-up payments of child support or alimony, and enter a judgment against the other party which will negatively impact the ability to make large purchases like cars and homes. In some instances, the Court can also require that the other party serve jail time. At SmollonLaw we can help you modify or enforce an existing Court Order or Judgment of Absolute Divorce to alleviate your stress during a difficult time.
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