Lawyers Handling Alimony and Child Support Modification
Changes to support orders occur frequently. The court recognizes that a court order that once worked may no longer fit the situation. Kids grow older; they may require tutoring or develop other special needs. They may have shown athletic or musical promise and need lessons or summer camp. One spouse may lose his or her job. Issues such as these and many others become the basis for court-ordered child support modifications.
Changes That Justify a Request to Modify Child Support or Alimony
Attorneys at The Massachusetts Family Law Group are adept at developing support modification proposals. We handle child support and alimony modifications that incorporate changes in the ability of either spouse to pay or receive child support or alimony. In either case, the proposal must meet the standard for modification in Massachusetts; three years must have passed since the last support order, or there must be a significant change in circumstances. These changes can include:
- Reduction or increase in either person's income and earning capacity
- Change in the assets available for support
- Change in the employee benefits of each party
- Remarriage or cohabitation of either party
- Emancipation of a child
- Change in the health condition of the parents or children or extraordinary medical expenses
- Loss of job or change in salary resulting in economic hardship
- New children or new mates
- Change in the law. For example, 2009 changes in how child support is calculated may make it important to revisit the calculations and seek a modification.
- Change in the cost of living
- Change in the educational needs of the children
- Changes in the tax considerations of either party
Don't Try to Seek Child Support and Alimony Modifications by Yourself
Many former spouses feel they can work out changes in child support or alimony by themselves because they communicate effectively and get along. Like everything else, however, their good relationship can change. Formalizing a modification in child or spousal support protects both parties.
Our lawyers help clients evaluate their situations and help them determine whether a request to modify support is warranted. With more than 40 years of combined experience, we have the knowledge and skills to provide you with representation tailored to your specific needs. Clients know that we prepare each case as if going to trial; this means we can deal with anything that comes up during the legal process.
Massachusetts Law About Child Support Modification is Applied Locally, on a County-By-County Basis
There are close to 20 different divorce and family law courtrooms across Massachusetts. Because each courthouse operates slightly differently from the others, our firm assigns attorneys to specific courthouses so that he or she becomes a familiar face to the Family Services officers, judicial case workers and judges. We call this the home court advantage.
For more information about modifications to alimony and child support payments, call a Boston child support lawyer at (800) 763-1030. Or, send an e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation. We serve clients in Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties.