Baltimore, MD Family Court Order Modification Lawyers

Attorneys for Modifications of Child Custody, Child Support, or Other Court Orders in Baltimore, Maryland

When a divorce decree or another type of family court order is put in place, it is meant to address a family's current situation and provide for their needs going forward. However, things can change as time passes, and court orders may need to be updated to address these changes. A parent may relocate for a new job. A child's needs may change as they grow older. A change in a person's income may affect the amount of financial support they pay or receive. Modifications may be made to family court orders to address these changes.

The right steps will need to be followed when modifying a divorce decree or parenting plan. At Silverman Thompson, our attorneys work with clients to modify orders related to child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, or other family law matters. We can also help clients determine how to respond to modification requests. We will work to ensure that modifications will protect our clients' interests and meet their families' needs.

The Legal Standard for Modifications

To obtain a modification of a family court order, a person will usually need to demonstrate that there has been a significant change in circumstances that has affected their family. When reviewing modification requests, courts will consider whether the proposed changes will serve the best interests of the children involved in a case. In cases involving modifications of child support or spousal support, a court may review the financial situation of both parties to determine whether the amount of support paid should be adjusted.

Child Custody Modifications

A parent may request a change to legal or physical custody arrangements because of factors auch as a change in a parent's work schedule that affects their availability to care for their children, a chaing in a parent's mental or physical health, a pattern in which a parent has interfered with the other parent's parenting time, or a change to a child's needs or preferences as they grow older.

When reviewing requests to modify the terms of a parenting plan, a court will consider whether the modifications will ensure that parents can protect their children's best interests and provide for their well-being. The court may look at the fitness of each parent to care for children, the quality of each parent's relationship with the children, whether parents can maintain a stable home environment, whether each parent is willing to encourage the children to have a positive relationship with the other parent, and the children's preferences.

Parental Relocation

The relocation of a parent is one of the most common reasons for modifications of child custody or parenting time. A parent may plan to move to a new location, but doing so could affect the other parent's ability to see and spend time with their children.

When a parent requests a modification based on a relocation, the court may look at whether the move is being made for reasons such as employment, educational opportunities, or to be closer to extended family members. The impact of the relocation on the other parent will be considered, and the court will take steps to determine whether the relocation will truly serve the children's best interests.

Child Support Modifications

Child support is calculated based on both parents' incomes, and each parent's amount of parenting time may also play a role in determining the amount that will be paid. When circumstances change, either parent may seek a modification of child support. Changes may be made to address an increase or decrease in either parent's income, additional child-related expenses that parents will need to pay, or other changes in children's needs.

Spousal Support Modifications

Whether alimony can be modified after a divorce may depend on the terms of the original order or agreement and the type of alimony that was awarded. As with other types of modifications, changes to spousal support payments may be based on changes to either party's financial circumstances. Issues such as a significant change in income, a serious health issue that affects a person's earning capacity, or a major change in expenses may be reasons for requesting a modification.

Spousal support may be terminated when specific events occur. Alimony will automatically terminate after the death of either party or after the remarriage of the recipient. In some cases, spousal support may be terminated if the recipient begins living with a new romantic partner. Even if the couple has not taken steps to get married, their cohabitation can serve as a reason to terminate alimony payments.

Requesting Modifications to Court Orders

A person who wishes to modify a family court order may file a petition with the court where the original order was entered. They will need to provide information about the changes that have occurred that they believe will require a modification, along with details about their proposed modifications. The other party will be able to respond to this request, and a hearing may be held where a judge will determine whether modifications should be made.

The evidence presented at a modification hearing may include financial records showing a change in income, documentation related to a parent's relocation or change in employment, or medical records related to the health of parents or children. Our attorneys can help clients file or respond to modification requests, gather evidence supporting their position, and advocate for solutions that will meet their needs.

Contact Our Baltimore Post-Divorce Modification Attorneys

If circumstances in your life have changed, you may need to make adjustments to parenting time schedules, child support payments, or other terms of a divorce or child custody order. At Silverman Thompson, our legal team can provide guidance on the best steps to follow in this situation, and we will provide representation during modification proceedings to help you make the changes that are needed. Contact our Baltimore, MD family law modification lawyers at 410-385-2225 to schedule a consultation.