Modification

Child Custody and Divorce Modification Attorney

Circumstances may have changed since your divorce was finalized, thus warranting a modification. Before modifying your divorce, the court must examine the circumstances surrounding the change. At Carla J. Zolman, L.L.C., we can help you seek a court modification. We represent clients in and around St. Louis, Missouri.

What can be modified by the court?

If you are seeking a modification of a court order, you must be familiar with the standard the court will use. Spousal maintenance may be modifiable only if the original decree declared that it could be modified. If the decree said nothing about modification the court will not modify the award.

The court will not change your custody, visitation, or child support award unless there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Maybe a parent has a new job and has to travel a lot. Drug or alcohol abuse may have become an issue. Parties may want to modify an order when there is a new stepparent, partner, or other person in the situation. When considering a child custody modification, the court will examine the request by considering what is in the best interests of the child

You may want to change the child support award. Maybe a spouse has started to earn more money, and can afford to pay more support. When children get older, they require less daycare. The court will review modification orders if there is a request for a twenty percent increase or decrease from the original child support award.

Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for Your Child

A child’s interests also must be protected when they go through a divorce. Decisions made here can have a great impact on their life. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem. These individuals ensure the child’s best interests are protected. I have served as a GAL for numerous children.

When acting as a GAL, the GAL interview individuals who have knowledge about their situation. This includes teachers, friends, coaches, and anyone else who has knowledge of the situation. The court can issue an order stating that the GAL can talk to anyone about your child without parental consent.

If you are concerned about modifying an existing court order, call or  contact us. We will sit down with you and determine your best course of action.

Carla J. Zolman, L.L.C.

Carla J. Zolman, L.L.C., is a family law attorney serving St. Louis, Missouri and the surrounding areas of St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County, including Ballwin, Brentwood, Chesterfield, Clayton, Crestwood, Creve Coeur, Des Peres, Ellisville, Kirkwood, Frontenac, Ladue, Manchester, Maplewood, Maryland Heights, Mehlville, Oakville, St. Louis, Town & Country, University City, Webster Groves, and Richmond Heights.