Following a divorce, it goes without saying that the circumstances of the divorced couple, their children and entire family will change as life changes and the children grow and develop. As circumstances change, post-divorce modifications may be needed.

Most commonly following a divorce, there is a need to change child support arrangements or a child custody agreement. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to change both. Because parents will need the help of the family law court to modify child custody or child support, unless they are able to agree to any changes on their own, it is important for divorced spouses to promptly reach out to the family law court when they know that a modification, either child support or child custody, will be needed.

Commonly, a child support modification may be granted based on a significant change in circumstances for either the parent or the child. If the parent loses a job, for instance, it may be possible to modify a child support order. If the child’s needs change, such as the child’s medical needs change, it may also be possible to modify a child support order in those circumstances. Likewise, if a parent needs to move for a job or the child’s schedule changes, it may be possible to modify a child custody order but child custody orders will only be modified based on what is in the best interests of the child.

Post-divorce modifications are a useful family law tool that helps divorced couples and families adjust to their changing circumstances. Keeping child support and child custody arrangements up-to-date is important which is why divorced couples should be familiar with the family law legal resources available to help them.