Did
you know that the orders outlined in a divorce decree regarding child
support, custody, and visitation can be modified after a divorce is
final? If circumstances change after your divorce is finalized, an
Austin divorce lawyer can assist you in amending the existing court
order.
There
are several different circumstances that may necessitate a revision
in the original order. A parent’s income may change, requiring an
increase or decrease in child support; the behavior of the custodial
parent or the child’s wishes may necessitate a change in the
custody agreement; or when a parent relocates, the exchange location
may be changed.
Court-issued
divorce orders can not be modified for inconsequential changes in
circumstance, but there are significant situations when your Austin
divorce lawyer can make a request for the court to modify the
existing order.
Child
Support
The
Texas Legislature currently provides standard child support
guidelines that are based on a set percentage of the gross earnings
of the non-custodial parent. The payor receives a fine or jail
sentence if they do not comply with an order to pay child support.
When
a person is ordered to pay child support but cannot pay for legally
valid reasons, statutes exist for this type of noncompliance with a
court order. A parent who is delinquent in the payment of child
support may avoid a jail sentence by compromising or negotiating a
settlement.
If
you have been awarded child support or maintenance, an Austin divorce
lawyer is an invaluable ally in compelling the court to enforce the
child support order. An experienced Austin divorce lawyer will assess
your particular situation to determine the best way to enforce a
child support order or make settlement arrangements.
Custody
The
Texas Legislature has also set standards for child custody. A child
custody order may need to be modified when:
-
the
custodial parent is deemed no longer fit to care for the child
-
the
child 12 years or older expresses a desire to live with the
non-custodial parent
-
a
parent relocates the child to a home that is farther in distance
from the previous residence
-
and
numerous other circumstances
Every
case is unique and an Austin divorce lawyer can evaluate the
situation and determine a need for modification of the prior child
custody order.
Visitation
One
of the most important provisions in a divorce decree is the
visitation rights of parents with whom the children do not reside. If
you are a parent with the right to visit your child, and the other
parent restricts access to your child or disregards the visitation
order, an Austin divorce lawyer can press the court to take action to
enforce your rights. The right lawyer can be a powerful advocate in
ensuring that you have the quality time you need to continue to build
a strong relationship with your children.
Austin
divorce lawyer, Greg Gegenheimer, is an expert at evaluating your
unique case to determine whether the prior order should be and can be
successfully modified to meet your current needs. Modifying prior
court orders constitutes nearly half of his caseload and, with over
thirty years of experience, you won’t find an Austin divorce lawyer
who is better qualified.
Greg
Gegenheimer
is committed to helping men and women with legal counseling,
strategic planning and professional representation. If you find
yourself in a family crisis, he can help you better understand your
situation and options, formulate a plan of action, and be a powerful
advocate on your behalf. He is a certified mediator with an Advanced
Certification in Family Law and is able to help resolve disputes
before they go to court. Visit Greg Gegenheimer today at
http://www.greggegenheimer.net/
to schedule a 30-minute free consultation and find out what your
options are.