Your divorce may be finalized, but that doesn’t always mean the legal issues are over. Circumstances can change, or a former spouse may fail to follow the terms of an existing court order.
Whether you need to modify an existing order or enforce one that’s already in place, Stephen Cawelti brings more than 20 years of California family law experience to helping clients navigate issues that arise after divorce.
A final divorce judgment doesn’t necessarily mean every order is permanent. California courts may modify certain orders when circumstances change, including orders involving child custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support.
But wanting a different arrangement isn’t necessarily enough. Depending on the type of order, you may need to show that circumstances have changed since the existing order was made.
Stephen helps clients evaluate what has changed, whether modification may be appropriate, and how to present their request effectively to the court.
Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll follow up within 1 business day.
Changes involving parenting schedules, relocation, or other significant changes affecting the family.
Requests to modify support when income, parenting time, or other relevant circumstances change.
Changes to modifiable support orders when financial circumstances significantly change.
When a former spouse isn’t following the terms of an existing judgment or court order, the court can take steps to enforce the order and require compliance.
A court order only works when it is followed. If your former spouse isn’t paying court-ordered child or spousal support, hasn’t paid money awarded in your judgment, or isn’t complying with other terms of the order, there may be legal options to enforce it.
Support enforcement is an area where experience matters. Depending on the circumstances, enforcement may involve establishing the amount of past-due support, income withholding, bank levies, or other collection methods. Unpaid support can also continue to accrue interest.
Whether you’ve received partial payments or no payments at all, Stephen can help you understand what you’re owed, what enforcement options may be available, and how to move forward.