Life can change in ways you never expect. You might land a new job in a different state that requires a quick move, or perhaps your child develops a medical condition that necessitates extra support. Additionally, changes in your financial situation can make it challenging to keep up with child support or alimony payments.
You might be feeling anxious about how to get these changes made, especially when the other parent isn’t on board.
We’ve seen firsthand how stressful it can be when your financial situation or your child’s needs are on the line. At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we’ve helped countless families in Covington, Georgia, adjust to their new circumstances by modifying their family law orders. Let us help you modify these agreements so that they work for your current situation.
The Various Family Law Orders We Help Change in Covington, Georgia
Life is full of surprises, and sometimes those surprises require us to rethink the agreements we’ve made. At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we help ex-partners in Covington request the following modifications to the various family law orders:
Divorce Agreement Modifications
The current divorce agreement was probably created during your divorce. If your circumstances have shifted, it might be time to change it and make it work for your new reality.
Some common reasons for requesting modifications include:
- Significant changes in income
- Changes in child custody arrangements
- Changes in the living situation of either spouse
- New health issues impacting one of the parties
- A significant life event, such as remarriage
- Changes in the financial needs of children involved
Major changes in income or employment status can affect your ability to meet the terms of your divorce decree. If child custody changes or one spouse has health problems, it may be time to look at the divorce agreement again.
Life events, such as remarriage or changes in living situations, can also influence the terms of your divorce. Furthermore, as children grow, their financial needs often evolve, making it essential to ensure that the divorce decree reflects their current requirements.
Child Custody and Visitation Modifications
A major change in your life, or your ex-spouse’s life, might signal it’s time to revisit the child custody terms. Some common reasons for requesting modifications include:
- Change in living conditions
- Remarriage or new household members
- Changes in work schedules
- Relocation for work or personal reasons
- A change in the child’s best interests
- Health or safety concerns
- Failure to follow the current agreement
If one parent’s living situation has changed drastically, the court may need to review if the new living situation is suitable. Maybe they’ve moved to a smaller home or a less stable environment that can affect your child’s well-being. Similarly, the order might change if you or your ex remarries or someone new moves into the household.
Changes in work schedules can also make it hard to follow the original custody plan. Relocating for a new job or personal reasons could disrupt the current arrangement, requiring adjustments. Not to mention, your children’s needs and preferences often evolve as they grow, and the existing agreement may no longer fit.
Additionally, health or safety concerns, or a failure to follow the current plan, can lead to necessary modifications to protect your child’s best interests.
Child Support Modifications
When life changes, child support may need to change too. The court can modify the agreement if there’s enough evidence to show a significant change, such as:
- A decrease in income
- An increase in the child’s needs
- Changes in the custody or visitation arrangement
- A significant increase in the other parent’s income
- New financial responsibilities for either parent
- The child reaching a milestone
If your income drops or the financial demands of raising your child increase, modifying child support might be necessary to maintain balance. A job loss or pay cut could make it difficult to meet your current obligations. On the other hand, an increase in the child’s needs, like medical expenses or school costs might require additional support.
Plus, when your child hits certain milestones, like turning 18 or going to college, changing the support arrangement might better reflect their new needs.
Alimony Modifications
Alimony agreements are made based on the circumstances at the time of divorce, but life doesn’t stay the same. We can help you request alimony modifications due to:
- A decrease in income
- The ex-partner living with someone else
- A significant increase in the recipient’s income
- A job loss or financial hardship
- Retirement or a major life event
If your ex-partner has started living with someone else, or if your financial situation has shifted, alimony might no longer reflect your reality.
You might have lost your job or faced a pay cut, making your current alimony payments unrealistic, or your ex’s new living situation may have lowered their financial needs. In either case, a modification could help you better manage your finances and adapt to these life changes.
We’ll Guide You Through The Modification Process in Covington
While modifying family law orders in Covington is necessary due to several circumstances, this process can be a bit challenging.
There’s no need to worry, as our experienced modification attorneys can assist you through this process::
- Filing the Petition – You’ll need to gather evidence like financial records or medical bills and file a petition in the same court that handled your original order.
- Serving the Other Parent – The other parent will be formally notified about the request and given a chance to respond.
- Mediation and Court Hearings – Often, mediation is favored before you go to court. But, if you both can’t agree during mediation, then the case goes to court where a judge makes the final decision.
FAQs on Modification of Family Law Orders in Covington, Georgia
Can I change my child custody agreement if I need to move out of state?
Yes, you can request a custody modification if moving affects your current parenting plan. We help you file the necessary legal documents and present your case to the court.
How often can I request a child support modification?
In Georgia, you can request a child support modification every two years, unless there is an emergency, like job loss or a significant change in your child’s needs. Our team will help you gather evidence and handle the paperwork.
Can I lower my alimony payments if my ex is living with someone else?
Yes, you can. Under Georgia’s “live-in lover” law, if your ex is living with a new partner, you may be able to reduce or stop alimony payments.
Can my child decide who they want to live with?
In Georgia, if your child is 14 or older, the court will consider their preference when deciding custody. We will help guide you through the legal process if your child decides to air their input.
Our Role in the Modification Process
When it comes to family law modifications, it’s easy to feel lost in paperwork, court dates, and legal jargon. It’s stressful enough when your personal life is changing, but dealing with the courts on top of that can feel downright daunting.
That’s why we’re here to take on the legal side of things so you don’t have to:
- Provide expert guidance to help you understand your rights and options throughout the modification process.
- Handle all the necessary paperwork and file petitions to ensure your request is submitted correctly and on time.
- Gather the evidence you need to support your case.
- Represent you in court during hearings and negotiations.
- Facilitate mediation sessions to reach out-of-court agreements that work for you.
- Protect your rights at every stage of the process.
- Listen to your concerns and provide compassionate support.
You don’t have to handle the stress and pressure during the modification process alone. Petrelli Previtera, LLC, is ready to answer all your questions on family law order modifications and guide you from confusion to clarity.
Why Choose Petrelli Previtera, LLC?
At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we understand that family law is personal. Our award-winning attorneys are here to help families in Covington navigate these difficult times with compassion and care. We have been recognized by Super Lawyers, Inc. 5000, and Martindale-Hubbell’s Gold Client Champion Award, so you know you’re in good hands.
Plus, we always take a personalized and compassionate approach to all modifications of family law order cases in Covington. Our successful track record speaks for itself, as evidenced by our satisfied clients. Our successful track record with satisfied clients shows that our attorneys won’t stop working until you are happy with our services.
We bring our legal expertise and caring approach to every case. We work hard to secure the best outcomes for you and your family.
Our Covington Modification Attorneys Are Ready To Help
If your circumstances have changed and you need help modifying your family law order, our award-winning attorneys at Petrelli Previtera, LLC, are ready to help. Call our Covington office or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation today.
1148 Washington St SW, Covington, GA 30014
(678) 730-6310