Columbus Modification Of Alimony, Child Support And Custody Orders
Life changes, and so can family court orders. When you need to change your alimony, child support or child custody order, our goal is to ensure that those changes meet everyone’s needs. We understand the dynamics of family law modifications and are prepared to guide you through each step.
If you are looking for a fight, pass us by. If you want to work toward a resolution of your problem, we are here to help.
Contact Baker & Wick LLC in Columbus, Ohio, for an initial consultation. Call 614-697-2627 or use our contact form to set one up. We represent people across central Ohio who are looking for post-divorce modifications or who need help with other family law issues.
When Can You Change A Family Court Order In Ohio?
Circumstances change, and Ohio law recognizes this by allowing modifications to family court orders under certain conditions. You may seek a modification of alimony, child support or child custody when there has been 1) a substantial change in your circumstances, 2) noncompliance with the current order, or 3) mutual agreement on the necessary changes. If any of these apply in your case, we can take your proposed modification to court for approval.
Modification Of Alimony Orders
Changes in financial circumstances, such as a job loss, disability or significant income reduction, can make existing alimony orders impractical. In such cases, either party can ask the court to modify the alimony order to reflect the new financial reality.
Modification Of Child Support Orders
Ohio child support amounts can be raised or lowered if there is a significant change in either the financial circumstances affecting a parent’s ability to pay or the child’s needs. This includes scenarios such as:
- A work layoff lasting more than 30 days
- Unemployment
- Significant income changes (up or down)
- Changes in health insurance or child care costs
- Active military duty
- Permanent disability
- Incarceration without income or assets
In Ohio, both parents are legally obligated to support their children. The state generally determines child support amounts based on statutory guidelines. If circumstances change and you think your child support should increase or decrease, we can seek an administrative review through your county’s Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). In general, you will need to wait 36 months from the date of the order or the last review of the order. However, there are circumstances when you can get child support changes sooner.
Child Custody Modifications
Changes in life circumstances might mean you need a modification to your custody arrangements. This could range from adjusting the visitation schedule due to a new work schedule to more significant changes such as a parent seeking to relocate with the children. If a judge hears your modification request, he or she will consider several factors to ensure that any modification serves the best interest of your children:
- The children’s needs
- Each parent’s physical and mental health
- The ability of each parent to provide care
- The children’s preferences (if they are old and mature enough)
- Any evidence of parental misconduct affecting the children’s well-being
If you need to move away, are worried about your ex’s fitness to parent or need to change your parenting plan for another reason, contact Baker & Wick LLC. One of our attorneys can help you determine what needs to change and present your modification request to the family court.
Can You And Your Ex Modify Your Arrangements Outside Of Court?
While informal agreements between parents are common, remember that these do not change your legal obligations. Your existing orders are just that: court orders. If you make an informal change, it won’t be enforceable. To ensure that any agreed-upon modifications are legally binding and enforceable, they must be formally approved by the court.
Contact Us For A Consultation With A Ohio Modification Lawyer
Modifying a family law order is a significant step that can impact your rights and your children’s future. At Baker & Wick LLC, we provide experienced counsel aimed at achieving fair and practical solutions in modifying court orders related to alimony, child support and custody. Contact us today at 614-697-2627 or fill out our contact form to set up a consultation.
