Contempt

Contempt is when there is a failure to comply with a valid court order by a party who has knowledge of that court order. This is a legal cause of action that a party can bring if they think the other party is willfully failing to follow a court order. Potential severe penalties can apply to the person if found in violation, including court fines, attorney’s fees, loss of parenting time, and jail. Our attorneys are experienced advocates when dealing with contempt issues.

Modification of Maintenance/Alimony/Spousal Support

People can modify currently existing final orders regarding maintenance under certain circumstances. Most commonly, if there is a substantial change in circumstances in the paying spouse’s life (i.e. loss of job). Modification of a maintenance order can be requested by filling out the correct legal pleadings and making your request to the court under the proper circumstances. Navigate attorneys assist people frequently with maintenance modifications.

Modification of Child Support

People can modify currently existing child support orders under certain circumstances. Most commonly, if there is a substantial change in circumstances affecting a parent’s ability to pay the court-ordered child support. Modification of child support can be requested by filling out the correct legal pleadings and making your request to the Court under the proper circumstances. Navigate attorneys assist people frequently with child support modifications.

Post-Secondary Support (a.k.a college support)

Often child support orders are entered with the court before children are near college age. After a child support order is entered, parents can often request that the court order the parents and child be legally responsible for the child’s college financial support. This type of request is ideally made to the court during the last year of high school of the child who is college-bound. Navigate attorneys routinely assist parents in getting college support in place and would be happy to assist.

Modification of Parenting Plan

Parties can modify currently existing final Parenting Plans if they have a legal basis to do so. You can request the Parenting Plan be modified only slightly or in a big way. For instance, if you are already the primary parent, but you want the court to change some things in the Parenting Plan – that would be a minor modification. On the other hand, if you are not the primary parent, and you want to ask the court to make you the primary parent, that would be a major modification. There are different legal standards that apply to each scenario. It is important to make sure you understand what the legal standard is and whether you have a good basis to make the request – Navigate attorneys can help.