Fort Wayne Family Law Order Modifications Lawyer

Life rarely stays the same after a support or custody order is entered. Changes in employment, finances or family circumstances may make an existing court order regarding support or custody unfair or impractical. When that happens, seeking a legal modification may be necessary.

At Scott & Aplin LLC, our attorneys have built a strong reputation serving families throughout Fort Wayne, Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio. As your family law firm, we help clients pursue needed changes to family court orders and defend against modification requests that are not supported by the facts.

When Can A Family Court Order Be Changed?

Indiana courts generally require a substantial and continuing change in circumstances before modifying family law orders. Common situations that may support a modification include:

• Job loss or a substantial income change by the party paying support
• A parent’s remarriage or cohabitation that could affect issues of support or custody
• A child’s changing medical, educational or special needs
• Serious health issues affecting a parent’s ability to raise a child
• Repeated violations of existing court orders regarding custody or support
• Substance abuse or safety concerns involving a parent or household member

Understanding whether the legal standard applies to your circumstances is an important first step when seeking or defending against a modification request.

What Types Of Family Law Orders Can Be Modified?

Several types of court orders may be eligible for modification under Indiana law.

• Child custody and visitation schedules: Changes in parenting time or primary custody may be warranted to match the changing family dynamics or to reflect a child’s changing needs.
• Child support amounts: Adjustments may be necessary due to a parent’s job loss or other income changes, or the child’s increased and unique needs.
• Spousal maintenance: Involuntary job losses and other changes in employment or income, sudden changes in one party’s health or self-sufficiency and remarriage by the recipient spouse can all provoke modification requests.
• Relocation requests: Moves with the children, particularly out of state, require court approval and adjustments to custody or parenting time.

Not every request for modification should be granted. A post-divorce modification lawyer in Fort Wayne can help defend against a modification request by challenging the idea that the alleged change in circumstances is both substantial and continuing. In other cases, such as custody issues or relocations, a modification may not serve the best interests of the child.

Talk To A Fort Wayne Family Law Attorney

If you need to modify a family court order or respond to a modification request, Scott & Aplin LLC is ready to help. Our post-divorce modification lawyers in Fort Wayne provide experienced representation for clients across Indiana. Call 260-200-5321 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your options.