Snohomish County Child Support and Child Custody Modification Lawyer
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The law recognizes that most people's lives change over time. Therefore, Washington allows divorce orders and agreements to be modified. Either of the parties can seek to modify most aspects of a divorce agreement if there has been a significant change in circumstances. Even if both parties agree to the change, the court needs to approve it. It is important to speak with a lawyer about this complex issue in Washington family law.
Explaining Modifications
At my Everett, Washington, law firm, Akiona Law, P.L.L.C., I assist clients who are seeking modifications or who oppose a modification proposed by the ex-spouse. I help them understand their options and the standard of proof required for each type of modification. In some instances, modification requests arise because one party has experienced job loss, disabling illness or injury, incarceration or other negative events. In other cases, one of the parties requests a modification because of a more positive occurrence such as a remarriage, a large salary increase or an educational opportunity offered to a child. In all cases, I advise clients about their best course of action and explain their options.
Common Types of Modifications
Ex-spouses are usually able to modify agreements involving:
- Parenting plans, child custody and visitation schedules
- Child support
- spousal support (alimony)
- Move-aways and relocations
Petitioners need to show a change in circumstances that is either substantial or minor. They may need to show that failing to modify an agreement can cause harm to a child or that changing an agreement outweighs the benefits of not changing it. I advise clients about the standard they will need to meet for the type of change they are seeking or opposing.
Advising Clients About Their Options
A common modification is a result of one of the parties moving away. I counsel clients on the type of notification they need to provide the other parent. I also advise clients about the frequency with which they can request modifications. For example, our current Washington statutes provide child support orders can be modified every two years. Other issues that frequently arise include the penalties for bad faith modification requests and if spousal support (alimony) can be modified.
Contact a Snohomish County Parental Relocation Attorney
Call 425-740-2209, toll free at 888-298-1003, or contact me online to schedule an appointment with a Snohomish County child support and child custody modification attorney. The office is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Everett, close to the Snohomish County Superior Courthouse.
Akiona Law, P.L.L.C.
3216 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 203
Everett, WA 98201
Phone: 425-740-2209
Toll Free: 888-298-1003
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