Post-Divorce Modifications
Backed by 100+ Years' Experience
Modifying Court Orders Post-Divorce
Attorneys at our established family law firm in Newport Beach know well that a vast range of life circumstances are apt to change in the years following divorce. California laws and courts also acknowledge this reality and provide specific legal steps and processes necessary for modifying court orders to account for material changes in circumstances.
From job loss to an ex-spouse's declining ability to properly care for children, as well as situations justifying increased support payments, our attorneys address client problems directly and strive for the utmost efficiency in resolving them.
Interested in modifying your court orders? Contact us online or call us at (949) 565-4158 to get started today.
Proven Ability To Define And Prove Material Changes In Circumstances
It is important to understand that changing views of what you want, or what someone else wants, are not enough to obtain a modification. Modifications are granted only if a material change in circumstances — typically one that is financial in nature and/or related to children's needs — has occurred.
A Strong Track Record Of Obtaining Custody And Support Modifications
You can turn to our Orange County post-divorce modifications lawyers anytime for an evaluation of whether your situation justifies:
Custody modification, which requires both demonstration that circumstances have changed and that the new arrangement you are seeking is in the best interest of the child.
Child support modification, downward or upward, typically driven by events such as a job loss, positive job change or dramatic increase in the financial resources a child needs.
Spousal support modification, often because changes have made the initial "alimony" order inadequate for the person receiving support to maintain his or her standard of living.
Modifications made necessary by a court-approved parental relocation such as a change in visitation orders or an adjustment in child or spousal support to account for a noncustodial parent's travel expenses.
Call (949) 565-4158 For Dependable Legal Counsel
Applying in-depth knowledge of current California family law and courts throughout Orange County, our lawyers have succeed in many complex and challenging efforts to obtain post-divorce modifications for our clients.
Whether your needs are financial or related to what you believe is best for the children as things now stand, you can count on dependable, forthright counsel and skilled representation when you contact the Burch Shepard Family Law Group.
“I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
“They made the divorce process so much less stressful than it could have been. I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
Former Client
“A brilliantly educated pit bull”
“True brilliance in action is a site to behold. At this point I am comfortable with everything she was able to help me with, and I know that she will be the first call I make, if I have any other future issues that require the courts intervention.”
Former Client
“THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING.”
I am thankful for a attorney Robert, for his wonderful representation. His professionalism, and the way he carries himself with so much authority and knowledge is making this process run Smoothly. The delay in the process has given my children and I time, space, peace of mind and the healing we needed so much, thank you. God knows the right timing and the right results and He sends us the right persons to work things out. You are all a team of wonderful people. Thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Divorce
Do I Have to be a California Resident to Divorce Here?
To file for divorce, you must be able to prove California residency for six months and residency in the county where you file for at least three months. The respondent or "defendant" spouse in a divorce case does not have to be a California resident, however.
What are Some of the Key Early Steps in the Divorce Process, and How Long Does it Take?
Divorce proceedings begin when either spouse files a petition that is served on the other. The person served then has 30 days to file a response, or the case proceeds without that response toward a likely final judgment about six months later.
If there is a response, the parties begin the process of exchanging information and, typically, attempting to negotiate a marital settlement agreement either on their own or in a mandatory conference in court. Every case is different, and the entire process can take anywhere from months to several years.
Do I Need to Prove My Spouse Is at Fault for Causing the Divorce?
No. California is a "no fault" divorce state. Grounds for divorce are not considered, although the court may consider many factors when issuing orders on child custody and other issues.
How Do I Get Started if I Have Decided I Want a Divorce — or a Legal Separation?
Our divorce attorneys strongly encourage you to contact an experienced, qualified lawyer — ideally, one who focuses exclusively on family law. Pursuing a do-it-yourself divorce is legal but filled with traps and potential complications.
At the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, our Orange County divorce lawyers have guided many hundreds of men and women through divorces of all levels of complexity. We emphasize preparation and results, always putting our clients' needs and best interests first.
