Broomfield Modifications Lawyer
Life is constantly changing, and this means that modifications are often needed for visitation orders, child support orders, and maintenance (or alimony) orders after a divorce or custody case is finished. At Plog & Stein, P.C., our family law lawyers offer assertive representation to people both seeking or opposing a modification to court orders. With a firm grasp of the law, mapped up with your specific situation, our Broomfield modification lawyers strive to craft a strategy that furthers your specific needs and goals, both in and out of the courtroom.
Pursuing a Modification of a Court Order of Visitation, Child Support, or Maintenance
There are a number of reasons why a parent may seek to modify a visitation arrangement. Their children may develop different preferences or needs as they get older, one or both parents may move for a new job, or one or both parents may become more or less capable of caring for the child, among other situations. According to Colorado law, when deciding whether or not to change an existing visitation agreement, the court must examine what is in the best interest of the child. Modifications to custody and visitation orders may take place, based on changed circumstances, at any time up to when a child is 18 years of age. Having a child visitation modification attorney in Broomfield who understands the statutory and procedural intricacies tied into modifying child related orders is key.
Under Colorado law, child support modifications may be sought by either parent if there has been a “substantial and continuing change in circumstances” since the last order was entered. These circumstances may include a significant change in either parent’s income, a good-faith career change, a change in the time that each parent spends with the child, a loss of employment, the onset of a disability, and more. In essence, a court may modify a child support order to reflect a change in either parent’s financial situation. Likewise, ancillary orders can be modified based on a change in the child’s overall expenses not necessarily factored in to the actual child support calculation. The parent requesting a modification must show that circumstances have changed to the extent that the total amount of monthly child support will go up or down by at least 10 percent. Though this sounds simple, issues can arise which require the experience and insights of a skilled child support lawyer.
Maintenance, which is traditionally known as alimony, is intended to help a spouse who lacks enough property and resources to provide for their own needs. Maintenance payments may be modified if an ex-spouse can show that there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances that renders the prior maintenance order unfair. In Colorado, there are typically two types of maintenance: contractual/non-modifiable or court-ordered. If a judge decides maintenance, the judge will have the authority to modify the amount, or duration, in the event that the circumstances change. With a contractual/non-modifiable maintenance agreement, the parties typically agree to an amount and length of payments. This means that the court does not retain jurisdiction to modify the agreement, though it always has the ability to deal with enforcement issues.
Contact a Broomfield Lawyer When Seeking a Child Visitation Modification
As children grow older and ex-spouses move on from a divorce, modifications to visitation, child support, or maintenance orders may become necessary. At Plog & Stein, P.C., our experienced Broomfield child visitation modification attorneys understand that these are the realities of life, while we also recognize that some modifications may be unnecessarily disruptive and unwarranted. You can trust that we will advance your rights with the tenacity that you deserve. To discuss your case with a child custody lawyer in Denver or seek guidance in a child support or maintenance matter, call us at 303-781-0322 or contact us online.
Perched at an elevation of 5,420 feet, more than a mile above sea level, Broomfield is a rapidly growing city in the Denver metropolitan area. Parents and their children can explore many monuments, entertainment venues, and historical sites, such as the Broomfield 9/11 Memorial, the Bay Aquatic Park, and the Brunner Farmhouse.
