Modification of Custody, Visitation and Support
When a court issues an order in a divorce, child custody dispute or other contested family law matter, they do their best to fashion an order that will stand the test of time. However, no amount of foresight can adequately predict the myriad changes that may occur in a family after a divorce.
A change in employment, health, child care, parental fitness or other factor may render an existing order unjust. A significant change of circumstances may warrant a modification of an existing court order.
Austin Court Order Modification Lawyer
If you need an attorney to help seek or oppose a modification of an existing court order, contact an experienced family law attorney at the Law Office of Janet McCullar. As a board certified family law attorney, Janet has extensive experience in a wide range of family law modification proceedings, including:
- Child support modifications
- Child custody modifications
- Visitation modifications
- Spousal support modifications
- Home relocation disputes (modification of a divorce or custody order)
Child Support Modifications
To obtain a child support modification, you must establish that a change of circumstances has occurred since the time the existing child support order was entered. A job loss, wage decrease or wage increase may warrant an increased or decreased support modification. We represent individuals seeking to increase or decrease a child support award.
Child Custody and Visitation Modifications
Since a change of primary custody can have a profound impact on the life of a minor child, courts do not take such motions lightly. However, evidence of child abuse or parental unfitness that affects the physical or emotional welfare of a child may form the basis for a change of custody.
Minor changes to an existing visitation schedule constitute a change that is less dramatic than a full custody change and are thus easier to obtain. However, a party seeking a change of visitation must still demonstrate a change of circumstances and the best interests of the child must be served by the proposed alteration of the visitation schedule.
Spousal Support Modifications
A change in financial circumstances, including a job loss by the obligor or new employment by an obligee, may warrant a modification of spousal support or termination of spousal support.
Home Relocation
After a divorce, a parent may need to move to a new location for employment or for other valid purposes. Most divorce orders place restrictions on a custodial parent's right to move to a new location with minor children. Visit our relocation disputes page to learn more about this important topic.
Contact Us
To schedule a consultation with Austin family law attorney Janet McCullar, call 512-371-6505 or contact us by e-mail.
