St Louis Post-Divorce Modifications Attorney

At Raza Family Law Solutions, we understand that life after divorce often brings unexpected changes. When your circumstances shift, your legal agreements may need to follow suit. Our St. Louis post-divorce modifications team is here to help you update your arrangements.

Whether you need to adjust child custody, support payments, or spousal maintenance, we’re ready to stand by your side. With years of experience and a commitment to your family’s well-being, we’ll fight for fair solutions that reflect your current reality and protect your interests.

When and Why to Seek Post-Divorce Modifications

Post-divorce modifications are legal changes made to the terms of a divorce settlement after the courts have finalized it.

Missouri family law allows you to seek a modification when you experience a substantial change in circumstances that affects your ability to adhere to the original agreement.

Common reasons for seeking modifications include:

• Significant changes in income or financial circumstances
• Parental relocation
• Changes in the child’s needs
• Changes in parental fitness or availability

When life changes, your divorce agreement may need to as well. Our divorce lawyers at Raza Family Law Solutions can help you seek the modifications you need to adapt to your new circumstances.

Types of Modifications

Depending on your circumstances, there are a few key types of post-divorce modifications you might need. Here are the top four we handle for our clients in Missouri:

1. Child custody modifications — If a substantial change in circumstances affects your child’s best interests, you may need to modify your custody arrangement.
2. Child support modifications — You may also need to adjust child support payments accordingly when significant changes in income or the child’s needs arise.
3. Spousal support (alimony) modifications — Remarriage, retirement, and other substantial and continuous changes in your ex-spouse’s family structure may require changes to your maintenance order.
4. Visitation schedule modifications — When your current visitation schedule no longer works for your family, you can seek a change to accommodate your needs better.

Modifying Existing Family Law Orders in Missouri

How can you modify an existing family law order in Missouri? Generally speaking, Missouri law says that you must show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances.

In particular, Missouri law requires the party seeking a modification to demonstrate that “changed circumstances so substantial and continuing as to make the terms unreasonable.”

In other words, your circumstances (or your ex’s or your child’s) must have undergone a change that is substantial enough that it does not make sense for the current family law order to remain in place. Whether or not a change in circumstances is substantial will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Some examples of substantial changes in circumstances could include, for example:

• Taking a new job that requires relocating to a new location;
• Receiving a significant pay increase;
• Losing a job and being unable to find work; or
• Suffering an injury and becoming disabled.

To begin the modification process, you will need to file a motion to amend with the court. The party seeking the modification has the burden of proving that there has been a substantial change in circumstances warranting the modification.

The court will evaluate several factors when considering your request, like the child’s best interests and the financial situations of both parties.

Child Custody Modifications

When seeking a child custody modification, you’ll need to demonstrate that there has been a substantial change in circumstances affecting your child’s best interests.

Examples of changes that may warrant a custody modification include:

• Moving out of state
• Changes in the child’s needs (e.g., educational, medical)
• Concerns about parental lifestyle (e.g., substance abuse, neglect)

Sometimes, Raza Family Law Solutions may be able to resolve custody disputes and reach an agreement that works for everyone involved through our mediation services.

Child Support Modifications

If you experience a significant change in income or financial circumstances, or if your child’s needs have changed, you may need to modify your child support order.

In Missouri, the courts calculate child support modifications using the state’s child support guidelines, which consider factors such as each parent’s income, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, and the child’s healthcare and educational needs.

Spousal Support (Alimony) Modifications

You may modify spousal support orders if there has been a substantial and continuing change in the paying or receiving party’s circumstances.

Factors that may warrant a modification include:

• Remarriage of the recipient spouse.
• Cohabitation of the recipient spouse with a new partner.
• Retirement of either party.
• Significant changes in income or financial circumstances.

It’s important to note that there may be limitations on modifying spousal support orders, depending on the specific terms of your divorce settlement.

Mediation for Post-Divorce Modifications

Sometimes, alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or collaborative law can be practical tools for reaching agreeable modifications without costly and time-consuming litigation.

Mediation involves working with a neutral third party to facilitate negotiations and reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Collaborative law is a process in which both parties and their attorneys work together to settle outside court.

At Raza Family Law Solutions, we champion collaborative law approaches. Our team believes in finding amicable solutions that work for everyone, avoiding unnecessary conflict and courtroom battles. We’re here to guide you through peaceful modification processes, prioritizing your family’s well-being over aggressive legal tactics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the modification process take?

The modification timeline varies depending on your case’s complexity and whether both parties can reach an agreement. Some modifications can be resolved in weeks, while others may take several months.

Can I modify my divorce settlement if I move to another state?

The state that issued your original divorce decree retains jurisdiction over any modifications for moving to another state. However, some exceptions exist. So, it’s best to consult with Raza Family Law Solutions to determine how your situation may affect your existing agreement.

Do I need an attorney to modify my divorce settlement?

While it’s possible to represent yourself in a modification case, we highly recommend that you work with an experienced Missouri family law attorney. Your legal counsel will represent you during the modification process, gather evidence to support your case, and protect your rights and interests as your petition and negotiations progress.

Trust Raza Family Law Solutions for Your Post-Divorce Amendments

Seeking a post-divorce modification is not fun, but it’s often necessary to ensure that you meet your family’s needs when circumstances change.

By working with our modifications lawyer in St. Louis, you can confidently achieve a fair amendment for your unique situation. If you’re considering a post-divorce modification, contact us today.