As life goes on after a divorce, circumstances change. Child custody, parenting and visitation agreements reached during a divorce when children were still toddlers may need to be reconsidered as they turn into teenagers. Educational and personal expenses of teenagers typically increase as they grow older and develop different fields of interest. When divorced parents in Massachusetts re-visit matters that formed part of the divorce decree, modifications must be authorized by the court.
In cases in which there are significant increases or drops in the income of parents, modifications to the court-ordered child support may be possible if documented evidence substantiates such claims. In many cases, the success of such an application for modification depends on the relationship between the two parents and their ability to communicate and compromise. Such negotiations are usually best handled with the support and guidance of the attorneys of both parties.
Modifications that may prove to be more complicated are those involving the relocation of one of the parents. It is not uncommon for such cases to result in litigation, especially if the parent wanting to relocate has primary physical custody. Nevertheless, with the support of an experienced family law attorney, such modifications may be possible, and through mediation, litigation may even be avoided.
Barbara J. Katzenberg is an experienced post-divorce modification attorney in Massachusetts who understands the evolving circumstances of divorced parents, and she can provide legal counsel related to a broad range of matters from child custody and visitation issues through more challenging situations such as a parent hiding assets to avoid financial responsibility. The unique circumstances of each client will be evaluated and potential remedies explained to ensure a client’s full understanding of the process that lies ahead.
