Situations Change
Once the divorce trial is over and the court issues the divorce decree, many people feel like that is the final step in the process — the divorce is over and that's all there is to it. Although it is true that the divorce decree is meant to be final and binding going forward, the fact is, some parties don't follow the mandates of the divorce decree, and in some cases, one of the parties experiences a substantial change in circumstances that brings out the need for change in the decree itself.
At Christmas Spano & Owen, P.A., we have a wealth of experience helping clients with divorce modification and enforcement. From our offices in Riverview, Tampa, Clearwater, and Tallahassee, our enforcement and modification attorneys represent clients throughout Florida's South Shore who need to enforce the provisions of divorce decrees or modify divorce decrees to better suit their needs.
Some of the most common issues for enforcement or modification include:
- Child custody/parenting time
- Child support
- Spousal support and maintenance
Enforcements
It is common for ex-spouses to not follow important divorce decree provisions after a divorce is finalized. When an ex-spouse is not following the provisions of a divorce decree, we can help by contacting the ex-spouse or the ex-spouse's attorney to encourage proper behavior, and if that doesn't work, we can bring the case to the court and fight for a contempt of court declaration.
Modifications
Although a divorce decree is meant to be final and binding, the court will generally be willing to modify the decree in the event that one of the parties experiences a substantial change in circumstances. This usually involves things like:
- Loss of job: When the paying spouse loses a job, that person also presumably loses the ability to pay child support or spousal support, as well, requiring a change in the divorce decree.
- Promotion or better-paying job: Conversely, if either ex-spouse suddenly starts making more money, it can change the spousal support or child support rules.
- Relocation: When one of the parents moves, it can cause a tremendous challenge for a parenting time agreement, requiring modifications.
- Medical emergency: When a paying spouse is suddenly injured or suffers a serious illness, that person will most likely lose the ability to continue paying the various forms of support.
- Change in need of the child: When a child develops an illness, suffers a serious injury or contracts a mental health illness, it can elevate the costs associated with raising the child, which could require a change in the divorce decree.
Our lawyers have a wealth of experience with enforcement and modification. We will take the time to listen to your situation, help you find the best solutions for your situation and help you obtain the best results possible.
Brandon Modifications Attorneys ∙ We Look Forward to Representing You
Talk with one of our lawyers in a confidential setting. Call 813-902-3897 or 888-432-7421 toll free, or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
