Divorce Modifications Lawyer In Richmond, Texas

When you face conflicts or disagreements after your divorce is finalized, the Richmond modifications lawyers at Frank Vendt Child Custody & Divorce Attorneys are here to help. Our custody modifications attorneys can help guide you through the process of requesting an amendment to your final decree. This can be used to adjust visitation schedules, revise support agreements, or modify the distribution of marital property.

With our intricate knowledge of Texas family law, we ensure your case is handled with precision and compassion. Our Richmond modifications attorneys give your legal matter the attention it deserves. We pride ourselves on working with a sense of urgency to achieve a prompt resolution that serves your best interests.

Can you Modify a Texas Divorce Decree if Circumstances Changed? Let Our Experience Help You Change the Agreements.

It’s easy to get the idea that once a divorce or child custody agreement is final, no changes can be made. However, the terms of these agreements are based on the circumstances at the time they were made. What was fair at that time may not be fair at all now.

If changes in the circumstances can be proven to be substantial by a divorce modifications attorney in Richmond, TX, then the law would favor making changes in the agreements. At Frank Vendt Child Custody & Divorce Attorneys, P.L.L.C, our modifications lawyers are prepared to fight to help you achieve a settlement that suits your evolving needs.

What Are Modifications, Anyway?

Life changes, and sometimes the terms of your divorce or custody agreement need to be updated to reflect those inevitable shifts. Modifications are legal changes to existing court orders, covering arrangements such as:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Visitation agreements

These adjustments ensure that court orders remain fair and practical as your circumstances evolve. Our Richmond modifications attorneys can help you petition for a change of custody or support when your situation calls for it. 

Why Work With the Richmond Modification Lawyers at Frank Vendt Child Custody & Divorce Attorneys? 

Choosing the right custody modifications lawyer makes all the difference when petitioning the court for a change to your divorce or custody agreement. The experienced legal team at Frank Vendt Child Custody & Divorce Attorneys is made up of two fiercely passionate attorneys, Frank Vendt and of counsel Scott Broussard.

Our competent and compassionate divorce lawyers provide:

Legal Knowledge

Texas’s modifications law is complex and contains many overlapping concepts. Our legal team has the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure that your modification request is legally sound and strategically presented. While it’s ultimately up to the court to grant or deny your request, our attorneys ensure that it is built on a solid foundation of legal precedents.  

More importantly, our attorneys believe in taking a collaborative approach. We spend the time to understand the grounds for your request and its underlying objectives. This allows us to effectively convey how the changes will promote fairness or ensure the well-being of minor children, who may be significantly impacted by any modifications. 

Understanding of Complex Legal Procedures

Our legal team can help you navigate the complicated legal processes required to modify finalized divorce decrees or child custody agreements. We will be with you every step of the way. Our firm handles everything from filing petitions to presenting evidence in court. 

When you partner with one of our divorce or child custody modification attorneys, you can rest assured that we will fight fiercely on your behalf. We keep you updated as the case proceeds and ensure that all forms are submitted by set deadlines to minimize the risk of delays. 

Compliant With State Laws

Texas family law has specific requirements for modifications, most of which are outlined in Texas Family Code Section 156. At Frank Vendt Child Custody & Divorce Attorneys, we have spent years helping our clients move on with their lives after a dissolution of marriage. We have a strong knowledge of state law and how it applies to your case.

When you need attorneys who understand what’s at stake and know how to use the law to support your goals, call our team. We are here to help you get a better arrangement. 

A Strategy Designed Just for You

Every family’s situation is unique. Whether you’re seeking a custody modification attorney or a divorce modifications lawyer, we craft a personalized strategy to achieve your goals. Some of the matters we assist with are:

• Adjusting visitation schedules
• Revising property division orders
• Adjusting or ending spousal support
• Modifying child support
• Changing time-sharing

Regardless of what modification issue you are facing, our attorneys have the experience to assist. We will be with you throughout the process and provide timely legal support to ensure that your documents are filed on time. Our compassionate attorneys care about what’s best for you and your minor children. We are committed to delivering favorable outcomes. 

Want to learn more about how our experienced Richmond modification lawyers deliver positive outcomes for clients like you? Explore testimonials from satisfied clients. 

What Are Some Reasons to Request a Modification?

Life is unpredictable. Just because your divorce has been finalized does not mean you will never encounter future disagreements. While post-divorce conflicts are most common between ex-spouses who share minor children, they can also occur when child custody is not part of the equation. Here are some common reasons why you may need to request a modification:

• Change in Income or Employment: A job loss or promotion may warrant adjustments to child or spousal support 
• Relocation: Moving to a new city or state can affect custody or visitation agreements 
• Child’s Needs: As children grow, meeting their educational, medical, or emotional needs may require updated terms 
• Remarriage or Cohabitation: A parent’s new relationship status can impact support or custody agreements 
• Safety Concerns: Issues like domestic violence or substance abuse may prompt requests for custody changes or protective orders

Our Richmond modifications attorneys listen to your circumstances and build a case to reflect the challenges you are facing. Here’s a closer look at different types of modification issues we can assist with.

Divorce Agreement Modifications

Making changes to finalized divorce agreements is not frequently done.

Some of the changes in circumstances that might justify a modification include:

• One of the parties has a substantial increase in income
• One of the parties has a substantial decrease in income or financial hardship
• One of the parties has a major change in health
• One of the parties gets remarried

If what you are paying alimony or receiving in alimony or child-support does not reflect your current situation, contact and an experienced divorce modification attorney in Richmond at (832) 276-9474.

Child Custody Modifications

You might have heard the term conservatorship. That is just the legal term used in Texas to describe child custody matters. Child custody agreements are made with the child’s best interests in mind—for that moment in time. But times can change. Are things different now?

Modifying Spousal Support

Spousal support modifications may be necessary if either party experiences a significant change in their finances. Some examples include unemployment or a substantial raise. Our attorneys evaluate your situation to ensure that the proposed changes are fair and aligned with Texas law. 

Keep in mind that modifying spousal support can be quite challenging if you are the party ordered to pay. Voluntary drops in pay may not qualify for a decrease in spousal support. With that in mind, we recommend consulting with our team before making any job changes that could impact your ability to pay. 

Modifying Child Support

Our child custody modifications lawyers also assist with child support-related matters. Adjustments to child support often stem from changes in one or both parties’ income. A modification of the custody arrangement could also result in adjustments to child support. 

When assisting with child support modification requests, our legal team will account for all relevant variables. A few examples are:

• Which parent pays for the child’s healthcare
• The percentage of time sharing
• Each parent’s income

The goal is to determine a fair child support amount in accordance with Texas law. 

Visitation Orders

Adding or modifying child visitation clauses to your custody agreement is another common reason why you may need to hire a modifications lawyer. Changes in work schedules or relocation can necessitate updates to the visitation orders. Our team ensures that these modifications support healthy co-parenting relationships. 

Protective Orders

If you are concerned about the safety of your child due to a material change in facts, our team can help you ensure the well-being of your minor child using protective orders. A protective order can limit a child’s exposure to potentially dangerous situations or environments. For example, we can petition the court for a protective order that allows the other parent to see the child only under direct supervision. 

Property Division Orders

Unfortunately, property division orders aren’t always fair and equitable. If you feel that existing property division orders are unjust, one of our divorce modifications lawyers can appeal the outstanding decree from the court. Ensuring that marital property is divided equitably allows you to move forward after the dissolution of your marriage. 

What Is the Difference Between Agreed vs. Contested Modifications?

Modifications can be classified as agreed or contested. An agreed modification occurs when both you and your former spouse consent to the changes. These proceedings are much smoother and often faster. Our attorneys draft agreements that reflect the mutual decision you and your former spouse made. We ensure they comply with Texas law to minimize the risk of a delay. 

For instance, suppose that you and your former spouse agree that you will now carry health insurance for the minor child until they turn 18 years of age. In turn, your child support obligation will be reduced by a corresponding amount (e.g., $150 per month). This is an example of an agreed modification. 

Contested modifications occur when you and the other party can’t come to an agreement. In these instances, the court may have to intervene. We represent your interests in any hearings and present evidence to support your requested changes. 

How to Modify a Child or Spousal Support Order in Texas

You have two options when you want to modify a spousal or child support order:

• File an agreed modification
• Proceed with a contested modification request 

To modify the child support or spousal support, you must establish that you meet the legal requirements. Here are a few scenarios where the courts will generally modify your support obligations:

• One party experiences a significant change in their circumstances (e.g., getting promoted or losing a job)
• The difference in need exceeds a certain percentage or amount per month of the current payment 
• The arrangement has not been changed within the previous three years

If you are requesting a modification of child support, the court will also consider if the change is in the child’s best interests. 

Texas Modifications Laws to Be Aware Of

Texas Family Code Section 156 is the most important law when it comes to custody and support orders. Some key points of this law are:

• Material and Substantial Change: You must prove a significant change in circumstances since the original order was issued 
• Best Interest of the Child: The court prioritizes the child’s well-being when considering any custody or time-sharing changes 
• Time Restrictions: Some modifications, like custody changes, may face restrictions unless you meet specific conditions

Our Richmond modifications lawyers ensure your case aligns with these legal standards as we work toward a favorable outcome. 

Contact Our Richmond Modifications Lawyers in Texas Today for a Consultation 

At Frank Vendt Child Custody & Divorce Attorneys, we proudly serve clients throughout Texas. Our Richmond divorce modifications attorneys also partner with clients in Rosenberg and Sugar Land. 

When you need a legal team that will step up for your rights and help you work toward a fair resolution, we’re ready! Contact us to schedule a consultation. 

Richmond Modifications Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

What Qualifies as a “Material and Substantial Change” for a Modification?

A material and substantial change is a significant shift in circumstances since the original court order. A few examples include a job loss, relocation, or change in your child’s needs. For example, if your work schedule changes and allows you to spend more time with your child, you may be able to file for a modification. 

How Long Does the Modification Process Take in Texas?

Agreed modifications may take a few weeks to a few months. Contested cases can take much longer to resolve, as they require court hearings. 

Can I Modify a Custody Order if My Ex-Spouse Relocates?

Yes, relocation is often grounds for modifying custody or visitation orders, especially if it affects your ability to see your child. 

What if My Ex-Spouse Refuses to Agree to a Modification?

If your ex-spouse opposes the change, the case becomes contested. Contested modifications must go before a judge. Our custody modifications attorneys will gather evidence and advocate for your requested changes to secure a fair outcome.

Contact us at (832) 276-9474 to speak to a dedicated child custody modification attorney in Richmond, Fort Bend County, and the surrounding areas. We have years of experience practicing family law as well as our own personal experience with divorce and child custody matters to draw on.