Chicago Post-Divorce Modifications Lawyer Serving Cook County
Once a divorce is finalized, both spouses will continue with their lives. Over time, the divorce decree that was either agreed to through a settlement between the parties or handed down as an order by a court may no longer meet the needs of the parties’ new and changing lives. Under Illinois law, either spouse can petition for the divorce order to be modified based on a variety of circumstances. The team of lawyers at NextLevel Law, P.C. by Daniel R. Hernandez, Esq., can provide you with legal guidance if you want to initiate a modification or if your spouse is looking for the update.
Changes To A Divorce Order
A modification to a divorce order can involve changes to some or all of its terms, including child support, spousal maintenance, parenting time, and allocation of parental responsibilities. Since the order is legally binding for both parties, the spouse seeking the change must petition the court for the modification. If one spouse does not abide by its terms at any time, they can face legal consequences. The attorneys at NextLevel Law, P.C., can help with modifications to your divorce order, including:
Spousal maintenance – The financial support that one spouse pays to another after a divorce can be modified or terminated depending on the circumstances. This can include a substantial change in the income or job situation of one of the spouses, a change in the financial needs of the receiving spouse, or the remarriage or cohabitation of one of the spouses. A modification to spousal maintenance can include both the amount and the duration of the payments.
Child support – Modifications to child support payments can be requested if there is a change in the circumstances of either one of the parents or of the child or children who receive the support. Among the changes which may allow for a modification are a change in income or loss of a job, a disability that impacts one of the parent’s ability to work or care for the children, and a change in the educational or medical needs of the children.
Parenting time and parental responsibilities – Similar to changes to spousal maintenance and child support, modifications for parenting time and parental responsibilities require a substantial change in the circumstances of either the parents or the children. These can include a move or relocation, a change in work or school schedules, changing needs of the child, or the desire of the child to spend more time with one parent. Any signs of child endangerment can also clearly lead to a modification. No matter the grounds for the modification, the court will make sure that they are made with the child’s best interest in mind.
Cook County Lawyers For Modification Petitions
In any of the situations above, the spouses can come together to negotiate the modification terms, then jointly petition the court to approve the change. If that cooperation is not possible, one side can file the petition individually. The judge will likely order a joint hearing with the spouses or order them to attend a mediation session. If you are pursuing the modification, a skilled attorney can help you draft your petition and ensure all factors are appropriately considered. No matter what situation you find yourself in, the lawyers of NextLevel Law, P.C., are ready to provide you with proper legal representation. Whether you are pursuing the modification or your ex-spouse is making the request, they will represent your needs and ensure your interests are protected.
Contact A Chicago Post-Divorce Modification Attorney
If circumstances have changed after your divorce order and a modification is being considered, contact the Cook County divorce lawyers at NextLevel Law, P.C. by Daniel R. Hernandez, Esq.. Whether you are requesting a modification due to a change in your situation or have an ex-spouse looking for the change, the firm’s team is ready to assist you. The firm always offers affordable, flat fees, so you know what the legal services will cost upfront. Reach out online today or give the firm’s team a call at NextLevel Law, P.C.. They proudly serve clients in Chicago and throughout Cook County, and the lawyers speak both English and Spanish.