Modification Attorney in San Antonio
Request a Change to a Divorce Order
Life is full of changes, which means your divorce decree might require ongoing changes, too. If circumstances in your life have changed and necessitate a modification of your custody, child support, or alimony order, The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC can help.
Our modification attorney in San Antonio understands the distinct process of petitioning for a modification and can guide you carefully through every step. We advocate aggressively for our clients to ensure their success. Let us help you move forward and make the changes you need to breathe easier and live happier. Our family law firm can also represent you if you want to defend against an ex-partner’s request for a modification.
Contact us at (210) 702-2203 to schedule a free consultation today.
Modifying All Types of Support & Custody Orders
If your divorce decree contains provisions or orders that no longer match your lifestyle, you may be able to petition for the changes you need.
Our modification attorney in San Antonio can help you modify a:
- Child support order
- Child custody order
- Alimony order
Keep in mind that property division orders generally cannot be modified once finalized. All other orders can be modified if the requesting party can prove that a substantial change in their circumstances necessitates the modification.
We can assist you with modification requests involving:
- Relocation: If you share custody of a child and are planning to move to a new city, state, or country, you will need to obtain the other parent’s approval. If the other parent does not approve, you can still petition the court for a modification to your custody order. We can also represent you if you want to prevent your ex-partner from relocating.
- Job loss or a promotion: A change in you or your ex’s job could necessitate a custody or support modification. Whether you lost your job and need to modify your alimony order, or your ex got a raise and you want to request more child support, The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC can help.
- A change in the child’s needs: If your child’s needs have changed – for example, if they suffered an injury or need to transfer schools – your support or custody order may need to be changed, too. We can assess your case and determine if your situation necessitates a modification.
How Can I Modify My Child Support Order in TX?
In Texas, either parent can petition for a modification of child support – a child support modification does not always have to be an increase in child support payments!
Generally, the non-custodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent. Reasons for a petition could include:
- The non-custodial parent received a promotion or started a new job that has a substantial increase in pay
- The non-custodial parent experienced job loss or a substantial pay cut
- The child’s medical or living expenses greatly increased unexpectedly
The TX family courts will typically review child support orders 3 years after the orders were established, if the difference in payments is at least 20% greater.
Petitioning for any type of post-divorce modification can be complex and requires experienced counsel you can trust. Seek guidance from the modifications attorney at The Law Office of Derek S. Richie, PLLC.
Why Choose The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC?
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Work Directly With Your Attorneys
Derek and his team will work directly with you through every step of your case. It’s important to us that your case receives highly personalized attention. You instilled your trust in us and we will work to meet and exceed your expectations.
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We Fight to Win
We’re competitive by nature and have a versatile legal style. We always seek an amicable outcome among different parties. We’re also prepared and ready to take your case to trial.
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Complimentary Consultations
We strive to create an environment where you feel safe and protected. We recommend starting with a complimentary consultation to review your case together. Evening and weekend consultations are available by appointment only.
Common Mistakes People Make When Dealing with Modifications
When life circumstances change, it’s natural to seek modifications to your divorce decree. However, attempting to handle this process without proper guidance can lead to avoidable complications. Below are some common modification mistakes people make when navigating changes to custody, child support, or alimony orders.
- Failing to Demonstrate a Substantial Change in Circumstances: Courts require clear evidence of significant changes in circumstances to justify a modification. Many people fail to provide adequate documentation or underestimate the level of proof required, resulting in denied petitions.
- Not Understanding the Legal Requirements: Each type of modification, whether for child custody, child support, or alimony, has specific legal requirements. Misinterpreting these laws can lead to filing errors or presenting irrelevant evidence to the court.
- Acting Without Court Approval: Some individuals mistakenly implement changes, such as reducing child support payments or relocating with a child, without first obtaining court approval. These actions can lead to legal repercussions and weaken your case for a formal modification.
- Delaying the Petition: Life changes, such as job loss or a child's medical needs, should prompt immediate action. Delaying your request for a modification may create financial strain or complicate your legal standing.
- Not Consulting an Experienced Attorney: Many people attempt to handle modifications on their own, underestimating the complexities involved. Without legal guidance, they risk errors in filing paperwork, insufficient evidence, or weak legal arguments.
How a Modification Attorney in San Antonio Can Help
Partnering with a skilled San Antonio modification attorney can make all the difference in achieving a favorable outcome for your case. Here’s how The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC can help you avoid these common pitfalls:
- Assessing Your Case: Our attorneys will evaluate your circumstances to determine whether your situation qualifies for a modification under Texas law. We ensure that your petition meets all legal requirements, reducing the risk of rejection.
- Gathering Essential Evidence: We assist you in compiling the necessary documentation to support your case, including financial records, medical reports, school records, or any other evidence that demonstrates a substantial change in circumstances.
- Navigating Complex Legal Processes: The legal procedures for filing and arguing a modification request can be intricate. Our experienced attorneys handle the paperwork, deadlines, and court submissions on your behalf, ensuring your petition is accurate and timely.
- Negotiating with Your Ex-Partner: We strive to minimize conflict by facilitating negotiations with your ex-partner whenever possible. If an agreement can be reached out of court, it can save you time and money while reducing stress.
- Representing You in Court: If your modification request goes to court, our attorneys will provide strong advocacy to present your case convincingly. We are skilled at highlighting the critical factors that demonstrate why a modification is necessary.
- Avoiding Costly Mistakes: From preventing premature actions to ensuring compliance with court orders, we help you avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
- Providing Ongoing Support: Life circumstances can continue to change, and we are here to assist with future modifications as needed. We provide long-term support to ensure your family law orders remain fair and reflective of your situation.
Why Choose The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC?
At The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC, our San Antonio modification attorney has extensive experience navigating the complexities of family law modifications. Whether you need to change a child custody agreement, adjust child support payments, or modify alimony, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Contact us at (210) 702-2203 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the modifications you need. Let us help you avoid costly mistakes and achieve the peace of mind you deserve.