Arlington Modification Lawyer

Helping You Make Changes to Your Family Court Orders

After a divorce or other family law matter is resolved, the court will issue orders that dictate how certain issues will be handled. These orders are legally binding, and both parties are required to follow them. However, life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change. When this happens, it may be necessary to modify the orders.

At the Law Office Of Mark M. Childress, we understand that life can be unpredictable. We also know that the orders issued by the court may not always be in the best interest of the parties involved. Our Arlington modification lawyer can help you make changes to your family law orders. We are committed to providing you with the effective legal representation you need to modify your court order.

Call our Arlington modification attorney today at (817) 497-8148 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

What is Modification?

In Texas, a post-judgment modification refers to a legal process that allows individuals to request changes to court orders that have already been finalized in family law cases. These modifications can pertain to various aspects of family law, typically involving issues related to child custody, child support, spousal support (alimony), and visitation rights.

Here are some common types of family orders that can be modified in Texas:

• Child Custody: Changes in custody arrangements might be sought if there's a substantial change in circumstances affecting the child's best interests, such as a parent's relocation, a change in a parent's lifestyle, or concerns regarding the child's welfare.
• Child Support: Modifications in child support can be requested if there's a significant change in either parent's financial situation, such as a change in income, loss of employment, or changes in the child's needs.
• Visitation/Parenting Time: Alterations in visitation schedules or parenting time arrangements can be requested if there's a need to accommodate changes in the parents' or child's schedules or if the current arrangement isn’t serving the child's best interests.
• Spousal Support (Alimony): Changes in spousal support can be requested based on significant changes in either party's financial circumstances, such as a change in income or the receiving spouse's remarriage.

To pursue a modification, one typically needs to demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances since the original court order was issued. It's crucial to gather evidence supporting the need for modification, such as financial records, documentation of changed circumstances, or any other relevant information that supports the request.

What is a "Significant Change in Circumstances?"

A substantial change in circumstances, within the context of family law and post-judgment modifications, refers to a significant alteration in the circumstances that existed at the time the original court order was issued. This change must be of a nature that impacts the factors considered by the court when the initial order was made. The change needs to be substantial enough to warrant a review or modification of the existing court order.

Here are some common examples of substantial changes in circumstances that may warrant a modification:

• Income Change: A significant increase or decrease in income for either parent, affecting child support or spousal support arrangements.
• Relocation: One parent or both parents moving to a location that affects the current custody or visitation arrangement, making it impractical or difficult to adhere to the existing order.
• Health or Disability: If there's a substantial change in the health condition of a parent or child that significantly impacts their care or necessitates a different custody or support arrangement.
• Remarriage or Cohabitation: In some cases, a change in marital status, such as a former spouse remarrying or cohabitating with a new partner, might affect spousal support agreements.
• Child's Needs: Changes in the child's educational, medical, or extracurricular needs that weren't previously considered in the original order and significantly impact the current arrangements.
• Danger or Abuse: Any evidence of danger or abuse in the current arrangement that wasn’t evident or considered during the initial court proceedings.
• Age or Maturity of Child: As children grow older and their needs and preferences change, it might necessitate a modification in custody or visitation arrangements.
• Job Loss or Employment Change: Sudden job loss or a significant change in employment status affecting a parent's ability to meet financial obligations set by the court.
• Criminal Activity: Instances of criminal behavior or legal issues arising after the original court order that may impact the safety or well-being of the child.

How to Modify Family Law Orders

Modifying family law orders can be a complex process. The first step is to file a motion to modify the order with the court. You will need to provide the court with evidence that there has been a significant change in circumstances that warrants the modification. You will also need to show that the modification is in the best interest of the child.

Once the motion has been filed, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, both parties will have the opportunity to present their case. The court will then decide on whether to modify the order. If the court grants the motion, the order will be modified. If the court denies the motion, the order will remain the same.

How Our Arlington Modification Lawyer Can Help

If you are seeking to modify your family court order, you should consult with an experienced Arlington modification attorney at the Law Office Of Mark M. Childress. We can help you understand your legal options, guide you through the process, and work diligently to help you achieve your goals and protect your rights.

Contact our Arlington modification lawyer today at (817) 497-8148 to learn more about how we can help you.