Modifications to the Terms of Your Texas Divorce
Once your divorce has been finalized, you most likely have very little desire to revisit the issue. It is important to recognize, however, that sometimes a divorced couple’s circumstances change so dramatically over time that it justifies modifying spousal maintenance, child support, and/or the child custody arrangements. If your divorce decree no longer adequately addresses your circumstances, an experienced Central Texas family law attorney can help.
Your Texas Divorce
Like every other Texas divorce, yours began with an Original Petition for Divorce and was finalized when the judge signed your Divorce Decree. From beginning to end, it is a stressful process, and the outcome is always uncertain. Most Texas divorces are hammered out via mediation rather than in court, but no matter how the determinations are made, you will come away with a Final Decree of Divorce that outlines the specifics of your divorce, including financials, the division of marital property, and child custody arrangements.
Evolving Circumstances
Whether divorced or not, our lives and careers evolve over time. Your divorce decree may or may not keep pace with these changes. While the law does not favor modifying divorce decrees, there are instances when modifications are warranted. In a situation in which you, your ex-spouse, and/or your shared children have undergone substantial changes that occurred after the divorce was finalized, you may be able to obtain a modification that better addresses your current situation.
Modifications
A Petition to Modify a Divorce Decree can be filed after your divorce has been in effect for at least a year, and these petitions usually address one of three types of modification:
Spousal Support
Spousal support (or what you may think of as alimony) is highly specific in Texas and is usually awarded only after at least ten years of marriage. Nevertheless, a significant change in circumstances could necessitate a modification to spousal support.
Child Custody Arrangements
Typically, one parent provides the children of a divorce with their primary residence and receives child support from the other parent (who has a visitation schedule with the children). If the parent with whom the children primarily reside relinquishes this role to the other parent for six months or more, the parent who has taken on the primary responsibility can request a legal modification to reflect this change. There are additional unique factors that can also affect child custody arrangements – a family law attorney can help.
Child Support
If you, your ex-spouse, and/or your children’s financial circumstances have changed dramatically, it could warrant a child-support modification.
If You Are in Need of a Divorce Modification, Speak with a Central Texas Family Law Attorney Today
If you have experienced significant life changes since your divorce was finalized, a modification could be in order. Attorney Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Central Texas has the experience, skill, and dedication to obtain a modification that works for you. Mr. Pritchard is here to help, so please contact or call us at (254) 220-4225 today.
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