CHILD CUSTODY MODIFICATIONS

Changes in family circumstances are fairly common these days, and they can have a large effect on the custody of children.  Changes such as remarrying, losing a job or getting a new one, and moving a long distance can impact the ability to care for children.  Your prior spouse may disrupt your visitation or attempt to alienate you from your child.  Your prior spouse may begin to do things that cause you to worry about your child's safety or well-being. If there has been a significant change of circumstances since a child custody decision has been made by a court, you can petition the court to modify that decision.  Once you prove that significant changes have taken place, however, the court must still determine if the change in custody is in the child’s best interests.  

Joint custody arrangements are much easier to modify than arrangements where one parent already has sole custody.  If a joint custody arrangement is not working for you or your child, the court is likely to modify the agreement and give one parent sole legal custody.  However, if one parent already has sole custody, the petition is much more complicated.  If you are the parent seeking to modify a custody decree, you are facing a difficult legal task and will require the services of an experienced Oregon family law attorney.  MJM Law Office, P.C. has the proven track record and skill to help you defend or prove child custody modification cases.

PARENTING TIME MODIFICATIONS

When divorce judgments are made, they are frequently unable to anticipate future parenting time issues that result from changes in a parent’s life.  In addition, parenting time schedules often need to be modified as the child gets older.  Consequently, parenting time schedules are easier to modify in court than child custody. 

Unlike custody modifications, you do not have to prove that any significant change in circumstances exists to warrant a change; the judge only needs to consider the change to be in the best interest of the child.  It is important to remember that if your parenting days with your child increase or decrease, child support payments could be affected.   Having an experienced Oregon family law attorney guide you through the process is essential.

CHILD & SPOUSAL SUPPORT MODIFICATIONS

The current economic slump is causing an explosion in the amount of child support and spousal support modifications.  The effects of a modification could substantially affect your life and financial health.  Often, a change in support can be so substantial over the lifetime of the support obligation that quality legal representation becomes imperative.

RELOCATION

If you or your prior spouse wants to move out of the area, you may be forced to modify child custody and parenting time agreements.  You may even have to get legal permission to relocate, depending on how far away you are looking to move.

You have many options when it comes to dealing with these changes.  If you remain in the state of Oregon, the changes may only involve the strategies and driving commitments involved in exchanging the child from parent to parent.  If you or your spouse is moving out of state, the changes may be more significant, particularly in terms of vacation or holiday time.  Relocation issues are somewhat complex and often have an impact on your freedom to move where you want.

If you want a fair and successful post-divorce modification, you’ll want to use a proven Oregon family law attorney’s services to ensure the best results possible.

Contact Us online or call 541-505-9872 to schedule a consultation.