Middlesex County Post-Divorce Modification Lawyer

After navigating through the complex process of divorce and reaching a resolution, it may feel as though you have closed a chapter of your life to embark upon the next phase of your journey. With the emotionally and perhaps financially taxing divorce process over, you may believe that this issue is permanently closed. However, we know all too well that life changes, at times, significantly. When circumstances shift in your life, your former spouse’s or your child’s, the previous configuration outlined in your final divorce decree may no longer serve the needs of everyone involved. If you find yourself in this situation, consider contacting a knowledgeable Middlesex County post-divorce modification lawyer here at Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, for assistance.

Post-Divorce Modification Lawyer Serving Massachusetts

If a shift in employment, income, residence, or romantic relationship occurs, you may require a post-divorce modification tailored to suit the current circumstances of your family. The primary objective in these instances is twofold: first, you must understand the grounds that warrant a post-divorce modification, and second, you must construct a compelling illustration of these changes to be presented to the court. An experienced Middlesex County divorce and family law attorney can be integral to this process, ensuring that you are best positioned to achieve your desired outcome.

What Qualifies for a Post-Judgment Modification?

In Massachusetts, a court may allow a post-judgment modification when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original judgment or most recent court order. The change must be significant enough that the existing terms of your divorce agreement are no longer fair, feasible, or in the best interests of your child(ren).

While courts recognize that change is a part of life, not every shift will justify a modification. The burden falls on the party requesting the change to demonstrate why the modification is necessary. A Middlesex County post-divorce modification lawyer can help you present a compelling and well-documented case.

Modifying Child Support & Alimony in MA

Both child support and alimony are subject to modification under Massachusetts law when the financial or personal circumstances of either party have changed significantly. Some of the most common factors that may justify a modification include:

• Loss of employment or a considerable drop in income: If the paying party loses a job or experiences a significant reduction in earnings, they may be eligible for a downward modification.
• Increase in income of the receiving party: If the recipient of support begins earning substantially more, the court may consider adjusting the order.
• Health problems or disability: A serious illness or disability affecting a party’s ability to earn or care for a child can justify a change.
• Change in child-related expenses: This could include increased costs for education, healthcare, or childcare.
• A child reaching the age of emancipation: In Massachusetts, this generally occurs when a child turns 18, though support may continue under certain conditions.
• Cohabitation or remarriage: Particularly relevant for alimony, if the recipient begins living with a new partner or remarries, it may warrant termination or reduction of alimony.
• New financial responsibilities: A party having additional children or new dependents can be considered, although this factor is typically weighed carefully.

Any request for modification must be supported by documentation, such as pay stubs, medical records, or proof of changes in living arrangements. Your attorney can help ensure that the court sees a full and accurate picture of your current situation.

Modifying Child Custody in MA

Courts in Massachusetts take modifications to custody orders seriously, always grounding decisions in the best interests of the child. To obtain a modification, you must show that there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last custody order was issued. Some of the most common grounds for modifying custody include the following:

• Parental relocation: A proposed move that would significantly disrupt the existing parenting schedule may require a new custody arrangement.
• Changes in the child’s needs: As children grow, their academic, medical, emotional, or social needs may shift, prompting a reassessment of custody.
• Parental unfitness or misconduct: Substance abuse, criminal behavior, neglect, or other serious concerns can justify a change in custody.
• Failure to comply with the current order: If one parent consistently violates the terms of the agreement, the court may consider modifying custody.
• Improved stability of the other parent: A parent who previously had limited custody may seek greater time if they can show improvements in housing, employment, or lifestyle.
• Child’s preference: Depending on the child’s age and maturity, the court may give weight to their wishes, though this is one of many factors.
• Alienation or interference: If one parent is intentionally undermining the child’s relationship with the other parent, this could support a change in custody.

Every custody case is fact-specific. A skilled attorney can help you present a case that highlights how your proposed modification aligns with the child’s best interests.

Contact a Post-Divorce Modification Lawyer Today

Here at Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, we understand that life changes, and we’re here to guide our clients through them. If you have additional questions or are looking to update the terms of your alimony, child support, or child custody agreement, please don’t hesitate to contact a post-divorce modification lawyer from Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, today.