Changing or Enforcing the Terms of a Divorce Decree
Changed circumstances can require modification of a child support order; a pattern of disregard for the other parent's visitation or custody rights can indicate the need for enforcement proceedings. At the Boston law firm of divorce attorney Thomas McKean, we offer clients advice about their rights to modification or enforcement of family court orders, or about the best ways to consider a former spouse's request for a change in the current arrangements. To learn how our experience can help you in any case concerning modification or enforcement of a divorce decree, contact our office for a free consultation.
We advise clients on either side of a modification issue. If you're the one seeking the change, we'll review your circumstances, let you know how a judge will probably consider your request, and help you assemble and present the evidence supporting the modification whenever your claim shows promise. When changes in your income, living circumstances, medical condition, employment hours, or other practical details indicate that a reasonable person would probably support your requested modification, we can usually convince your former spouse to agree to it on mutually acceptable terms.
Especially in cases involving children who were very young at the time of the divorce, it's fairly common for one party or the other to seek modification of child support or visitation arrangements as each person's circumstances change over time. Modification of spousal support is also common in cases where either spouse's financial, professional or personal circumstances change significantly.
It's also common for one party or the other to default on child support or alimony obligations. Application to the court for an order of contempt is usually an effective way to enforce your rights under a divorce decree. In addition, we advise people facing enforcement proceedings who need advice and legal assistance with working out the details of a payment plan or revised visitation arrangement. Enforcement actions can also help parents whose child custody or visitation rights are unreasonably frustrated by the other parent.
For additional information about our ability to advise you about your legal options in post-divorce modification or enforcement situations, contact Boston family lawyer Thomas McKean.
