Once your divorce is final and the courts have made their rulings related to spousal support and child support, you may finally feel like you can move on to the next chapter of your life. What happens if your new beginning unexpectedly entails a significant change in your circumstances that wasn’t accounted for during your divorce proceedings? Depending on the nature of the change, it may be necessary to modify existing court orders to meet your present and future needs.

John Dorris is a Tucson divorce lawyer who has the skill and knowledge needed to guide you through the necessary steps to obtain a sustainable court order modification. Whether it pertains to child support or spousal maintenance, you can rely on the team at The Dorris Law Group to ensure your rights are protected. Call us today and request a free consultation to discuss your modification needs.

Court Order Modifications

When Do You Need a Lawyer?

If you plan on moving just up the road or making a lateral job move at work, then you may not even give your court orders a second thought. However, there are certain instances in which you may benefit from the knowledge of an experienced divorce attorney. Although it might seem easy enough to verbally agree to modifications with your ex-spouse, this may not be prudent in cases such as:

  • A sudden change in employment — either getting a new job or losing your job
  • Unexpected changes to your income or work schedule
  • Entering into a new marriage
  • Moving to a new city
  • Fulfilling your deployment obligations to the U.S. Military

All of these events can have long-lasting repercussions on your ability to pay spousal maintenance and child support. A skilled divorce lawyer can review your individual circumstances to help you develop a sustainable plan that is approved by the courts. Verbal agreements between spouses likely will not provide the documentation you need to support your compliance with the modified order, should you need to do so in the future.

What About Parental Relocation?

Special consideration must be given to Arizona residents who want to move a significant distance, whether it is for work or for personal reasons. While moving out of state may not hinder your spousal support payments, it can have serious implications on your parenting time with your children if you are the non-custodial parent. It can also affect your ex-spouse’s parenting time with your children if you are the custodial parent. When an existing parenting plan or schedule is in place, your relocation must be approved by the Arizona courts. Having an experienced divorce attorney on your side can help make this process go more smoothly.

Tucson Divorce Lawyer

Has a change in employment or other unexpected circumstances altered your ability to abide by your existing court orders for spousal maintenance or child support? Do you need legal advice about an upcoming relocation? The Dorris Law Group is here to provide you with sound legal advice when you need it most. From ensuring that your divorce proceedings go smoothly to helping you modify existing orders to suit major life changes, we can help. Contact divorce lawyer John Dorris today to get started.