Pasadena Child Custody Modification Lawyers

Comprehensive Legal Support for Family Court Modifications

As life happens, circumstances evolve and a family's needs and interests can change. This means child custody and support arrangements may not be permanently relevant and may need to be modified in order to accommodate changes. At Gille Kaye Law Group, PC, we understand the stress behind a court order that is no longer sustainable and want to help you take necessary action to rectify it. Our Pasadena modification lawyers have decades of experience and the knowledge it takes to win your modification case. When you come to our firm, you can trust that your case is in the right hands and that your needs will be our top priority.

Understanding When Child Custody Can Be Modified

Courts ultimately make decisions regarding child custody according to what is in the best interest of the child. In terms of modifications, this means that, unless it is mutually agreed upon and consented to by both parents, a modification to a custody order will only be approved if there is substantial evidence that there has been a material change in the facts that affect the stability of the child's environment. Do not waste your time on poorly drafted modification requests. You never want to hear that your modification request was denied because there was "no evidence of material changes." We will help you make requests to the court that will be taken seriously and will result in the necessary changes.

Common Reasons for Custody or Visitation Modifications

• Parental substance abuse affecting the child
• Home relocation
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Violations of orders
• Job changes affecting visitation hours
• Extra-curricular activities
• The child is no longer a baby and old orders no longer fit
• Mental or physical health concerns of child or parent

Key Factors for Child Support Modifications

Similarly, child support modifications may be agreed upon by parents and approved by a judge or litigated when disputes occur. Courts will ultimately make decisions according to the state guidelines on child support and material changes in facts. In the case of child support, this means ensuring the child's well-being and standard of living can be maintained as circumstances change. Such modifications may be temporary if a medical, financial, or emergency temporarily necessitates more money or limits the paying parent's ability to pay.

Typical Scenarios for Child Support Modifications

• Change in employment: If you lose your job involuntarily, or your company closes, this sudden and vast drop in income would warrant a modification or at least a temporary reduction.
• Involuntary commitment or incarceration: If you are serving time or are committed to an institution, your ability to pay may diminish or stop, which can warrant a change in child support or temporary modification.
• Medical emergency or illness: If you are struck with a serious injury or illness and it impacts your ability to provide or support yourself or others, changes can be made in consideration of your situation.
• Changes in custody/visitation: If you or your spouse has taken over or greatly reduced the time spent with your children, your child support can change to reflect changes in custody, as well.
• Child medical status: If your child suffers an ongoing physical or cognitive ailment that requires extensive medical care, a modification may be to cover those expenses.
• Increase in cost of living: When the cost of living has gone up, you can request a child support modification.
• Either parent cannot work for acceptable reasons: If you cannot work for an acceptable reason, such as a disability, your child support agreement may be modified to accommodate your situation.
• One parent or both parents must support more children from a new relationship: When a parent needs to support other children from a different partner, a modification may be in order to allow the parent to support multiple children.

Let our team of modification attorneys at Gille Kaye Law Group, PC help you pursue modification based on a review of your original orders and evaluation of your current circumstances. Don’t risk facing contempt of court because you cannot pay, pursue a modification with the help of our team.

Contact Us for Your Modification Needs

At Gille Kaye Law Group, PC, we understand that life changes may affect child-rearing. We are dedicated to helping families ensure that child support and custody orders remain in the children's best interests. Our Pasadena family law advocates have made it our mission to advocate on behalf of families whose needs evolve over time. We have the knowledge and competence you need to feel confident that your case will be handled efficiently. We will work with you directly to ensure that you can reach a favorable resolution by stipulation or hearing.

Call us today for a case evaluation to get started!