Post-Judgment Modifications: How a Family Lawyer Can Help

It is not uncommon to feel panicked when your divorce is finalized. Although many people feel relieved that the process is over, some are unhappy with the terms of their divorce.

Fortunately, ex-spouses have the option to legally challenge the terms of their divorce. This is true even after it has been finalized. This type of legal challenge is known as a “post-judgement modification.”

Post-judgement modifications are judgments that take place after a final decision. You can appeal specific aspects of a finalized divorce for a range of reasons.

Below, we examine a few common post-judgment modifications. A qualified family lawyer can help you to file for these divorce modifications.

Child Custody Modifications

A family lawyer can help you to file for a post-judgment modification involving child custody. When a divorce involves children, change is inevitable.

A modification to child custody may involve renegotiating a visitation schedule. It may also involve changing the children’s primary residence.

These types of shifts are not uncommon when a family structure is reorganized after divorce. Oftentimes, divorced parents learn that the agreed-upon schedule does not work for them in the long term. A post-judgment modification can allow ex-spouses to craft a custody agreement that is in the child’s best interests.

Child Support Payment Modifications

Changes to a child custody agreement may have financial consequences. When this happens, ex-spouses can decide to seek a post-judgment modification.

It is important to note that a child custody modification does not necessarily involve a child support modification. These types of changes can be made independently.

A few common reasons for child support modifications include:

• A change in the income of the child’s primary caregiver
• A shift in the child’s school tuition
• A change in one caregiver’s cost of living
• The loss of employment

Changes to child support agreements should not be taken lightly. If you are seeking a post-judgment modification to child support, you will need to provide evidence to support the need for changes.

Alimony Modifications

Ex-spouses seek post-judgment modifications to alimony payments for many reasons. For instance, you may have changed jobs or incomes. A loss or decrease of income is a valid reason to file for a modification.

Additional reasons for appealing an alimony agreement include:

• Relocation or moving house
• Cohabitation with a new romantic partner
• Remarriage
• Change in cost of living

You can apply for a change in alimony whether you are the one paying or receiving payments. A family law attorney can help you to file for a post-judgment modification regarding your alimony payments.

Other Reasons for Post-Judgment Modifications

The reasons mentioned above are only a few of the circumstances that might necessitate a post-judgment modification. Other reasons include:

• Accidents or injuries
• Deaths
• Severe financial emergencies
• Changes in divorce laws
• Disability
• And more

No matter what the reason is that you want to appeal your finalized divorce, contact a qualified legal professional. A skilled family law attorney can help you to determine the best legal options along the way.

Even if your divorce has been finalized, an accomplished family lawyer can help you to explore post-judgment modifications.