The family court system offers an alternative to the complex appeals process in the form of modification. If you are required to abide by a family court order, it is essential to meet your obligations faithfully and adhere to the terms and conditions included in the order. However, life can pose unexpected challenges, and sudden, unpredictable events beyond your control may influence the elements of your family court order in various ways. When these things happen, the modification process can enable you to implement reasonable changes to your family court order that allow you to meet your obligations in light of your new reality.

The attorneys at the Johnson Law Group understand that our clients in the Colorado Springs, CO, area may need to change their family law orders in various ways, from adjusting child support arrangements to changing custody rights. Therefore, a Colorado Springs modification lawyer can be a critical asset as you navigate the modification process.

While the modification system is relatively straightforward, having legal support from a reliable attorney on your side will make it much easier to manage. In addition, your legal team can assist you through each phase of the modification process, so you can secure the necessary changes to your family court order as quickly as possible.

You may believe you can make a compelling case for your modification, but having an attorney on your side will make the process much easier. Your attorney can help you complete the paperwork you will need to submit your modification petition to the court. They can also help you prepare for the hearings to follow. If you have any concerns about your modification, your attorney can provide the guidance and support you need.

Modification is relatively simple in theory. The party in need of a modification is the petitioner, and the other party beholden to the family court order is the respondent. The petition begins the modification process by completing a modification petition that clearly explains their desired change and their explanation as to why the change is both necessary and reasonable. Once the court receives this petition, a hearing date is set, and the court notifies the respondent of the petition. Both parties have the right to speak on the proposed modification at the hearing.

During the hearing, the respondent can recognize that the requested change is necessary and reasonable, and they may agree to its implementation with little to no argument. Other respondents may request reasonable changes to the requested modification, and a negotiation process might ensue. In other cases, a respondent may vehemently oppose the requested modification and submit contradictory evidence that negates the petitioner’s argument.

If a modification petition is approved, the judge handling the case may implement the desired change immediately. The modification process is the ideal method of changing any family court order pertaining to child custody, child support, spousal support, or a combination of related issues. Some examples of situations that are likely to prompt modification proceedings include:

• A noncustodial parent losing their job due to forces beyond their control, affecting their ability to meet their child support obligation.
• A custodial parent suffering a catastrophic injury that prevents them from managing their parental responsibilities.
• Discovery of information that should have been addressed during divorce proceedings, such as one of the spouse’s hidden assets.

Many situations can lead to modification proceedings. While modification is not as complex as an appeal, the process still requires the attention of an experienced attorney if you want to have the greatest chance of success with your petition.

The Johnson Law Group offers years of experience with Colorado family law to every client we represent. Our team takes time to get to know every client we represent to provide focused and compassionate legal counsel in every case we accept. If you need to petition for a modification to your family court order, we can help you understand the process in greater detail. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning modification from our clients.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for Child Support Modification?

A: You technically do not need legal representation for child support modification proceedings in Colorado. However, having an attorney assist you will make the process much easier and increase your chance of success with your petition. In addition, your legal team can gather all supporting documentation you may need to submit with your petition for the most compelling case possible.

Q: How Can I Modify Child Support Without a Lawyer in Colorado?

A: If you need to modify child support, it is always best to work with an experienced Colorado Springs modification attorney. While it is possible to navigate modification proceedings on your own, your attorney can help you draft a robust petition that is likely to succeed, reduce the chance of the respondent pushing back against any aspect of your claim, and ultimately make the entire process much easier to manage.

Q: How Long Does Modification Take?

A: When a petitioner presents a clear and compelling argument for a fair, reasonable, and necessary change to their family court order, it’s possible to have it approved with immediate effect. Depending on the nature of the requested change, the judge handling the modification hearing may decide on a specific date for the modification to take effect.

Hopefully, our answers will help you understand the modification process in greater detail. In addition, if you have recently experienced any life events that you believe constitute valid grounds for requesting a modification to your family court order, the Johnson Law Group can help.

A Colorado Springs modification attorney can help you draft your initial petition for modification, including gathering any supporting documentation or evidence you need to submit to the court to strengthen your claim. Then, once the hearing date is set, your attorney can help you prepare for your courtroom appearance and identify any aspects of your claim that could give rise to disputes from the respondent. An attorney can also assist you if you find yourself the respondent of another party’s modification petition. If you are ready to discuss your legal options pertaining to a modification petition, contact the Johnson Law Group today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Colorado Springs modification lawyer.