San Diego Modification & Enforcement Lawyer

Helping with Fallout from Divorce Judgments in California

Your divorce decree is a binding judgment at the time of issuance. The problems occur when either party does not follow the terms of the divorce judgment. Our competent San Diego modifications attorney can help enforce divorce orders when your ex-spouse is defying them. We also assist in petitioning the court for modifications when you cannot comply with existing court orders due to a significant change in circumstances yourself, such as the loss of a job or severe illness.

What Modifications Can Be Made to a Divorce Decree in California?

The courts of California are very specific in identifying the types of orders they will modify. Usually, most property division orders will not be modified, only child custody and visitation arrangements, and many types of child support and spousal support (alimony) orders can be adjusted based on significant life changes that make the existing order unfair.

Custody/Visitation Modifications

Orders related to the custody and visitation/self-disclosure aspects can even be changed after the agreement has been agreed to by the court. The court always reserves its right to ensure the changes are still in the best interests of the children no matter what.

Maintenance Modifications

Conditions for paying spousal maintenance (amount and time) are often stipulated along with alimony or maintenance orders. If there is a sincere and substantial change in motivation, the court is free to adjust the award.

Child support Modifications

The court may also adjust child support orders. However, this kind of decision is subject to the established California Guideline. Generally, to reduce this type of award, the ex-couple has several children, and the child is now more than six years old or is now in school. Or it may be the loss of financial gain and the sale of unitary property that adjusts the award amount. The paying party may go directly to the court to establish a new order modification if the award is based on the current award they are facing that is still then. For example, if unemployment has occurred.

What are Grounds for Modifying a Divorce Order in San Diego?

A divorce order or court judgement may reflect the circumstances and situations of the parents at the time of the divorce, but things can drastically change years down the line. For example, you may have a new job out of San Diego, CA and cannot take the kids for one weekend every month anymore. Alternatively, the other parent may be breaking the agreement and not paying child support on time. These significant life changes require the original order to be modified. You will, according to the law, be allowed to make modifications to your order under these circumstances.

Modifying Child Custody & Divorce Visitation Rights 

Most divorce orders, including custody orders, are modifiable. However, California courts follow the standard of children's "best interests" when approving child custody modifications. Parents can modify parental custody and visitation rights if there are material and substantial changes in circumstances and the modifications serve the children's best interests.

Modifying Child Support in California 

Parents are allowed to seek a child support modification at any time. However, they must demonstrate a material change in circumstances since their previous support order. Material changes in circumstances can include anything that significantly impacts your income, the child's needs, and more, including:

• The payer or receiver has been laid off or become unemployed
• The payer or receiver gets a higher-paying job
• The parent and the child were to have received support at an earlier time
• The child has become emancipated
• The child has developed a serious health problem
• The parent has had another child with someone else

Modifying Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal support orders may be modifiable if allowed by the order and if there are grounds for modification. Most payments for spousal maintenance have termination dates which indicate the point at which such support will stop. You will be subject to ongoing payments if you or your spouse does not request a modification of the spousal support order before your termination date. Courts will review requests for modifications of California support payments, but will not change them unless there are legally recognized grounds for doing so. The party requesting the modification will have the burden of proof to demonstrate material and significant changes in circumstances which will include all of the following;

• The party is not as self-supporting--Did something happen that prevents the party from finding or maintaining qualified employment so he or she would not be able to maintain the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage by earning a proper income.
• The party did not attempt becoming self-supporting--If, due to particular circumstances, the supported party did not make any effort to become self-supportive during the presumed period, it will be considered a significant factor. A spouse who qualified for alimony 7 or 8 years ago may not have been able to work due to certain circumstances. A favorable change in the situation would allow the spouse to enhance his or her vocational opportunities. If this is the case, the party must be able to prove a general plan for self-supporting, including what type of job he or she intends to look for and the type of application he or she intends to prepare.
• Needs (marital standard of living determination) of the party to’s support--This refers to the needs the party actually has, in relation to the needs enjoyed by the family. In other words, if one party to the dissolution enjoyed a relatively high partner during the marriage while the other party enjoyed minimal income and minimal property, then the standard of living needs to be considered when making spousal maintenance changes. In this scenario, the court would attempt to ensure that the party receiving support could maintain a similar lifestyle by adjusting the spousal maintenance.
• An unrealistic ability of the party to be self-supporting--If the spouse has an income that is at the current marital standard of living, then alimony support is not an option. However, in many cases, the court determines that the party can earn a more substantial income than he or she is currently earning, based on his or her working credentials and work experience. In this situation, the party must provide clear proof or evidence of his or her ability to become self-supporting.
• Other Expenses--Children or other dependent family members can limit a party's ability to support themselves. In such cases, if the circumstances of the child(ren) or other dependent family members have changed, then support may be ordered. Some of these liabilities will include high child care costs incurred as a result of employment that is necessary to support the public. A spouse can also have high recurring medical expenses that limit the ability to self-insure by receiving affordable health insurance.
• Custodial Responsibility-In determining the best approach to calculate spousal maintenance, the court should consider whether the assistance of a custodial parent is needed by the children of the relationship. To assist in supporting the children, some custodial parents may need assistance from the non-custodial parent. This comprehensive approach still provides an overview of the family law repayments that are made in San Diego.
• Documented marital history longer than ten years--In addition to the factors described above, the more than a ten-year, pre-marital, or post-marital history that is documented will be part of the overall determination of the basis of the spousal support. In a less than ten-year marriage, it may be more difficult for a spouse requesting spousal support to prove that he or she qualifies for maintenance because the duration of the marriage is much shorter.
• Treatment of Domestic Violence--If domestic violence occurred during the marriage and the spouse requesting maintenance was a victim, the court will benefit the victim. There are many specific issues related to domestic support that are relevant in each case. It's your best chance for success to work with an experienced family law lawyer in San Diego who knows how to highlight the relevant factors and how to meet the burden of proof.

The court may decide for the recipient that a change affecting the aforementioned factors is sufficient to complete the order. If so, will receive the relevant documentation of the current support order to proceed.

Applications to request a change to the California child support for a qualifying child must typically be submitted at the same time. Although courts may reduce orders for "extraordinary obligations." 

Enforcing Court Orders: A Guide for Non-Compliant Parties

Understanding the Consequences of Non-Compliance

California courts, while often lenient in certain matters, take a firm stance against outright disregard of court orders. Non-compliance can lead to severe repercussions, including:

• Legal Penalties: Violators may face penalties such as suspension, wage garnishment, or even imprisonment.
• Financial Implications: Even if underemployed, individuals may still be obligated to fulfill their financial obligations, such as child support and alimony.
• Custody and Visitation Issues: Non-compliance can negatively impact custody arrangements and visitation rights.

Effective Strategies for Enforcing Court Orders

When faced with non-compliance, consider the following strategies:

Mediation and Parenting Plans:

• Seek amicable resolutions through mediation.
• Develop comprehensive parenting plans that outline specific responsibilities and expectations.

Documenting Non-Compliance:

• Keep detailed records of instances of non-compliance, including dates, times, and specific violations.

Legal Intervention:

• Consult with an experienced family law attorney to discuss legal options, such as filing a motion for contempt or seeking enforcement through the court system.

The Role of a Family Law Attorney

A skilled family law attorney can provide invaluable guidance and representation throughout the enforcement process. They can:

• Assess the Situation: Evaluate the specific circumstances and determine the most effective course of action.
• Draft Legal Documents: Prepare necessary legal documents, such as motions and petitions.
• Represent You in Court: Advocate for your rights in court proceedings.
• Negotiate with the Other Party: Seek amicable resolutions through negotiation.

What Penalties Exist for Failing to Comply With a Current Order?

• Monetary Agreements--One option is to impose a fine on the defaulting party. Sometimes, the same or more will be associated with arrears and will be ordered to pay. In many cases, however, the court will assess the pay on a sliding fee scale.
• Withholding of necessary documents--Inpatient and parent documents can be used to force the defaulting party. However, a subpoenaed person cannot be forced to produce a document that he or she does not have in advance of his or her due process of legal due process. In these situations where service work is not possible, the impending party must arrange for service through legal agreements and provide the court with the address of the other party.
• Find and tracking of assets--Some states will assist aliens and individuals in paying court orders, including paying for travel. In addition, many states have created databases to enable parents and their children to locate non-existent targets
• Professional licenses suspension or refusal to issue--In most states, lawyers, drivers, optometrists, osteopaths, registered nurses, dentists, chiropractors, physical therapists, real estate agents and appraisers, pharmacists, and physicians all need state licenses. Federally funded special education programs such as hearing/disabilities centers, schools, colleges, assistance programs, and educational services are among those that will refuse to service any person who is in arrears. For all those parents who are incarcerated in arrears, it is only a matter of time after they are detained that this matter is brought to the attention of the court. Steps are taken to prevent them from being released unless they make at least a reasonable effort to pay 100% of the current and the court-ordered amount. When the defaulting party changes the maintenance particles, the malicious alien parent goes directly to the court for modification, which will allow for more repayments than if he or she did not continue to be employed.
• Intercepting funds--The government has the right to end the discharge of the party to the court. If, after a parent files the request, the order will enter an order compelling the party to appear before any of the departments to answer questions. Failure to appear can occur in a search and response charge. Therefore, it is important that the defaulting person complies with the summons as an optional opportunity to respond to the money.
• Probation Orders--Regular probation orders can last between one and two years. While on probation, a person must meet with a probation officer to discuss his or her financial and personal situation. The probation agency will try to work out a suitable plan for the parent and require the parent to pay a certain amount of state assistance. Many states have found out how to make writer's support payments through EFT or programs with automatic salary reductions, which means that orders are not registered as continuously sent for a limited period of time. the court may order in some circumstances.

We know the courts in San Diego handle these cases, and we know how to organize our clients in the correct manner. Our lawyers participate in all relevant modifications, enforcement, and divorce court situations.