Schaumburg Post Decree Modification Attorney

Lawyer Assisting with Divorce Decree Modification and Enforcement in Schaumburg

Even the most comprehensive divorce decree can be inadequate when there is a substantial change in the circumstances of the parties or their children. When circumstances change, modifications to a divorce decree may become necessary. At Anderson Attorneys, P.C., we can help ex-spouses take steps to request post-decree modifications that will fit their current situations. We can also help people address modification requests by their ex-spouses and ensure that their rights will be protected in decisions made by the court.

Post-Divorce Modifications That May Be Available

Illinois law includes provisions that allow modifications to court orders addressing child custody and parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance/alimony. The grounds for requesting modifications will generally involve a "substantial change in circumstances." These grounds can include but are not limited to:

• Changes in the financial circumstances of one or both parties: A job loss may affect a person's ability to continue paying financial support as originally ordered in a divorce decree. Other issues may also affect a person's finances, such as health concerns that have led to increased medical expenses. In these cases, a person may seek a temporary or permanent reduction in the amount of child support or spousal support they will be required to pay. In other situations, such as when an ex-spouse has received a job promotion and an increase in pay, financial support obligations may need to be adjusted accordingly.
• A change in the marital status of one party: The remarriage of an ex-spouse may affect multiple issues related to a divorce decree. If a person who receives spousal support gets remarried, the other party's obligation to pay support will automatically end. The remarriage of a parent may lead to a request to modify child custody, ensuring that children's best interests will be protected as they divide their time between the parents' homes.
• Changes in children's needs: If the expenses required to address a child's medical or educational needs increase, child support obligations may need to be adjusted to ensure that both parents' are contributing to their children's needs.
• Concern for children's safety: If there are any allegations of domestic abuse, substance abuse, or other safety concerns that may affect children, a parent may request a child custody modification to protect their children's well-being. Depending on the circumstances, a parent may request restrictions to child custody, such as requiring parenting time to be supervised or prohibiting drug or alcohol use when children are with a parent.
• Desire of one parent to relocate: When a parent plans to move to a new home, they may request modifications to child custody arrangements. The other parent may object to these requests, and the court may review the case to determine whether the relocation will be approved and decide what modifications may be made.
• Preferences of older children in regards to custody arrangements: As children get older, they may wish to spend more time with one parent, or other changes to child custody may need to be made to accommodate their activities and educational pursuits.

Ex-spouses may be able to resolve issues related to post-divorce modifications through negotiation, and if they can reach agreements, a judge may approve the requested changes. However, these issues can sometimes lead to contentious disputes, and post-decree modifications can be as hard-fought as the original divorce proceedings. No matter what the situation, Anderson Attorneys, P.C. can help you determine the best ways to address these issues, and we will work to resolve these requests successfully while protecting your rights.

Post Decree Enforcement

An ex-spouse may need to take legal action to address the other spouse's failure to comply with the conditions of a divorce decree. If your former spouse is not paying child support or spousal support fully and in a timely manner, there are a variety of legal remedies available. You can take steps to collect the support owed, as well as interest on late payments. Additionally, if your ex-spouse is interfering in your parenting rights as specified by your divorce decree, legal action may be necessary. Our family law attorney can assist in the enforcement of court orders by petitioning the court for wage garnishment, child custody modifications, or other remedies.

Contact Our Schaumburg, IL Post-Divorce Modification Lawyer

To get legal help with issues related to post-decree modifications or the enforcement of court orders, contact Anderson Attorneys, P.C. at 847-850-8899 to schedule a free consultation. From our Schaumburg office, we assist with family law cases throughout the Chicago area and beyond.