Parents in New Jersey who share custody of their children often wonder how often they can modify their custody or support orders. The court uses the “substantial change in circumstances” standard to prevent parents from frequently modifying their custody or support orders.
Modifications Can Be Made After a Substantial Change in Situation
The court uses the “substantial change in circumstances” standard to prevent parents from frequently modifying their custody or support orders. A substantial change in circumstances is a significant change in the child’s or parent’s life that was not anticipated when the original order was entered.
Concerning child support, increases can be ordered every two years to ensure that the child support order does account for changes in the cost of living. The courts are obligated to review child support orders to account for inflation; however, parents can still seek changes if they undergo a change in financial circumstances.
Consult With An Attorney If You Meet The Standard
To modify an active order, the party requesting the modification must show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the last order was entered. The court will then determine whether it is in the child's best interests to modify the custody or support order.
If you are considering filing for a modification, consult an experienced family law attorney to discuss your options and whether you are likely to succeed. The attorneys at DeTommaso Law Group, LLC can help you navigate the process of filing for a modification and represent you in court if necessary.
Strategic & Aggressive
It can often be difficult to know when your child needs a modification to their custody arrangement. At DeTommaso Law Group, LLC, we understand that every family situation is unique. Our experienced attorneys will take the time to review your case and determine if a modification would benefit your child.
Contact us today at (908) 274-3028 to learn more about how we can help you achieve favorable outcomes.