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Modification and Relocation

Reflecting Changed Circumstances

When a divorce or family law judgment is handed down, it reflects the situation of the family at the time of the judgment. When the situation changes, it often becomes important for the judgment to change as well.

If you are interested in modification of a family law judgment, or if you are a parent covered by a child custody and visitation order and you would like to relocate, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with family lawyer JoAnn C. Donovan to discuss how we can help you.

Building a Case for Modification

The essential terms of a divorce or other family law order — child custody, child support and spousal maintenance — are subject to modification by the court if the circumstances underlying the original order have changed.

For child custody and visitation, since the underlying legal standard is the best interests of the child, a modification may be appropriate if something has happened to change what is in the child's interests. As a child grows up and as parents' personal circumstances change, this issue can be revisited.

Since child support is based on the parents' income, a substantial, long-term modification of that income can lead to modification of the child support award. Likewise, if the economic circumstances relevant to a spousal maintenance award have changed, it may be possible to reduce or eliminate the payment.

At JoAnn C. Donovan LLC Attorney at Law, we have been involved in many child custody, child support and spousal maintenance modification cases in the St. Louis County and St. Charles County courts. Contact us to get that experience on your side.

Petitioning the Court for Relocation

Under Missouri law, if either parent of a child covered by a child custody order wants to relocate, the parent wishing to relocate must provide written notice to the other parent. The other parent may object to the proposed relocation.  If the parties cannot agree, a court action for modification will usually be filed by one or both of the parties. We understand that relocation can be an urgent issue when it is related to a job, your educational needs, the loss of a home or some other pressing circumstance. We have experience helping clients resolve parental relocation issues and are fully prepared to represent you at the hearing.