DC and Maryland Child Custody and Child Support Modification Attorneys
FAMILY LAW
ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE & LITIGATION
LEGAL GUARDIANSHIPS
After going through the difficult task of negotiating a child custody or support agreement, trying to modify these orders can be difficult in DC and Maryland. Courts recognize that circumstances can change, but due to the amount of effort it takes to reach an agreement everyone can live with, modification requires a significant life change to justify it. Much like the legal team of The Law Offices of Thomas Stahl, child custody and support attorneys are your best first step in evaluating whether your request is reasonable and justified. As advocates for thousands of families over the years, our lawyers understand the standard a family court will rely on when considering if your change in circumstances warrants a modification to your current custody or support order. Whether you lost a job and experienced a dramatic income change or cannot visit with your child because you have to relocate out of state, we will fight for your relationship with your child.
How to Modify a Child Custody Order in DC or Maryland?
When beginning the process of modifying a child custody order, you will need to gather evidence of your material change in circumstance leading to your request. You will also need to demonstrate that the difference has had a significant effect on your child’s best interests. Typically, acceptable reasons for a modification of previously ordered custody arrangements include:
You have or will relocate
If your job requires you to move, or you need to relocate to be closer to a relative needing your care, the court may consider granting your modification request.
Your work schedule has changed and impacts your visitation or custody rights
Times change, as does the economy, which could mean you have to change jobs or work more hours. Work schedule changes are difficult to navigate because our employers may not be able to assign someone else to the new schedule. When this happens, our family lives get disrupted and may require a modification to visitation and/or custody.
You or your ex-spouse remarries
This is a problematic reason for a change of circumstances. A new spouse is not enough reason to demand a modification to custody. You will need to demonstrate why the new step-parent should be unable to care for your child properly and that a change would be in their best interests.
Major health issues
Suppose your child was to develop a health issue that affects their ability to attend a school or require regular medical care. In that case, you might need to adjust custody arrangements to ensure you or the other parent are available to meet these new demands. In some cases, it could be one of the parents who become seriously ill and cannot appropriately care for their child like usual.
Some other reasons to modify a custody or visitation order could be if one parent were incarcerated, becomes abusive toward the child, or develops a drug addiction. This could also be a change in circumstances where your ex-spouse has completed drug treatment or is now out of jail and wants to increase their ability to participate in their child’s life. No matter your situation, speak with The Law Offices of Thomas Stahl before filing for a modification to your current child custody or visitation order.
Modification of Child Support Orders in DC and Maryland
- A parent becomes disabled
- A new child is born
- The child develops a medical condition requiring treatment
- One of the parents relocates, which adds an additional financial burden to facilitate visits
- A parent experiences a significant increase or decrease in income
Skilled Child Custody and Support Order Modification Attorneys Can Help
Not all family or life changes will be significant enough to warrant a modification of your current support or custody orders in DC or Maryland. To ensure your request has the best chance for court approval, work with the experienced family law attorneys of The Law Offices of Thomas Stahl. We have the necessary training and proven case successes to provide your request the best position with the court handling your modification proceeding. Call us today at (410) 696-4326 or (202) 964-7280 to schedule your consultation or reach out to us online to learn more.
