Post-Judgment Modifications Of Child Custody, Child Support And Spousal Support
Last updated on August 26, 2025
After a divorce is finalized, court orders are issued to lay out the terms of ongoing interactions between former spouses, including arrangements for child custody, child support and spousal support. However, people’s lives inevitably change, and plans established at the time of divorce may not be feasible years later.
At Weiner & Weiss, LLC, we help clients seek post-judgment modifications that reflect major lifestyle changes. From our offices in Boca Raton, we serve southeast Florida’s coastal communities in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
A Change In Circumstances May Warrant A Change To A Divorce Decree
Before a divorce can be finalized, issues such as alimony, child support and child custody need to be resolved. The law takes into consideration that following a divorce, life moves forward, often in directions unforeseen at the time of divorce. When a significant or “material change” in circumstances affects the operability of a custody or support arrangement, either party to a divorce decree may seek a modification of the court order. Possible examples of a material change in circumstances include:
- One parent decides to relocate, and move out-of-state or far from the other parent.
- A former spouse remarries or begins to cohabitate with another person.
- A former spouse loses his or her job, or gains new employment or a promotion.
- A child’s needs change, including cases in which a child develops special needs.
- One parent is interfering with a child’s relationship with the other parent.
- A party’s physical or mental condition has deteriorated, such as by drug or alcohol abuse.
- A party is convicted of a crime.
Our lawyers understand that dealing with an unworkable custody or support arrangement can cause great stress for our clients. Therefore, we work as quickly as possible to procure appropriate changes to divorce orders that meet our clients’ current needs.
What Can And Cannot Be Modified
One of the first questions we get asked by clients is what orders can be modified and which ones cannot. Almost any divorce agreement is capable of modification, mostly involving:
- Child custody
- Child Support
- Alimony
In certain, extremely rare circumstances, a property division may undergo modification, but generally speaking, once the divorce is complete, so is any discussion of property division. To reopen that segment would take a considerable breach of the initial agreement, such as hidden assets.
Modification Of Child Custody Orders For Relocation
A parent seeking to relocate with a child must not only prove that the move is in the best interests of the child but also that it will not harm the child’s relationship with the other parent. For post-judgment relocations with young children, receiving permission to move is even more difficult for the petitioning parent.
Despite these challenges, we have helped clients obtain modifications allowing for relocation; we have also helped clients prevent the other parent from moving with their child. Please see our domestic and international relocation page for more information.
The Role Of Mediation In Modifications
A modification can be as much of a dispute as any other type of divorce agreement. There can be a lot of high emotions and difficult challenges. Mediation can offer a more amicable way through these challenging discussions.
As experienced mediation attorneys, we can provide guidance and support in pursuing modifications to your orders in this way.
Contact An Experienced Family Lawyer In Boca Raton
If you need to pursue the modification of a court order after divorce, please contact Weiner & Weiss, LLC, by calling 561-935-5529 or filling out the online contact form. We will take the time to understand your unique circumstances and determine the best way to present your case so you can achieve the result you want.