One thing that we can be certain of in life is that nothing is certain. Life constantly changes and evolves, and so too does your family situation. People change jobs, they move, children grow and change. For that reason, child support awards and child custody arrangements are always modifiable and alimony may be modifiable in some circumstances.
Child Support
Child support is modifiable if there is a substantial and continuing change in a parent’s financial circumstances – perhaps one parent was laid off from a job, or another received a promotion and an increase in pay. Traditionally, a parent seeking a modification of a child support order would have to petition the court and show a change in circumstances. In most counties, this involves a multi-step process that can become quite expensive and take months or years to complete. If one parent is self-employed, it may be necessary to obtain and review specific financial documents that are not volunteered, resulting in time consuming and costly discovery processes. By choosing the Collaborative Process, the parties and their Collaborative Lawyers can work together in a timely and cost efficient manner to find a support amount that addresses the children’s financial needs and preserves the parental relationship.
Child Custody
Custodial arrangements are always modifiable if the change is in the best interests of the children. If you have already participated in the Collaborative Process, you have probably developed a co-parenting plan with the help of a Child Specialist. As children grow and develop, it may be necessary to make changes to the plan. By continuing in the Collaborative Process, you will be able to make the necessary changes to benefit your children without subjecting them to the unpleasantness of the courtroom.
If your current custody and parenting arrangement was obtained in court, it may have been a long, expensive and emotional process, and your children suffered. When you find it necessary to make modifications to custody or your parenting schedule, you can elect to use the Collaborative Process. You and the other parent will each have a Collaborative Lawyer and one neutral Child Specialist. Working together as a Team, you will develop an arrangement that meets your children’s needs and considers what is best for them, while sparing you and your children the expense and emotional stress of litigation.
Alimony
Alimony is modifiable only if the parties’ marital settlement agreement or court order allows for modification. Even if you did not use the Collaborative Process for your divorce, you can always use the process to resolve a permissible modification of the alimony amount or duration. By choosing the Collaborative Process, you will have a voice in and find a solution that is satisfying for you and your former spouse.
To schedule a confidential consultation and learn more, contact a member of Collaborative Law Professionals of Southeastern Pennsylvania.