Post-Judgment Modifications
Post-Judgment Modifications Lawyers in Westport
A Seasoned Team Serving Clients in Fairfield County, CT
Family law court judgments are designed to provide stability and long-term resolutions for alimony, child support, and child-related matters. However, life circumstances can change unpredictably, necessitating modifications to existing court orders.
If you are dealing with such a situation, it is critical to understand your rights, the legal process, and the value of experienced legal representation.
At Ferro, Battey & Eucalitto, LLC, our seasoned lawyers can provide guidance, clarity, and advocacy in pursuing or contesting post-judgment modifications in the courts. We have a proven track record of positive results in resolving countless cases for over two decades.
Request a consultation with a Westport post-judgment modification lawyer by contacting us online or at (475) 264-4362. Our service areas include Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, and Wilton.
What Connecticut Family Court Orders Can Be Modified?
Under Connecticut family law, certain judgments are eligible for post-judgment modification.
These commonly include:
- Child custody orders. Changes may be necessary due to significant changes affecting the child’s living situation, welfare, or parenting arrangements.
- Child support orders. Changes in parental income, employment status, or the child's financial needs may warrant an update to child support provisions.
- Alimony orders. Adjustments to alimony may be appropriate if a substantial change in financial circumstances for either party has occurred, such as loss of income, retirement, or an increase in expenses.
Some judgments are more difficult to modify than others, especially if specific provisions, such as waivers of modification, are included in the original order.
What Justifies the Modification of a Family Court Order?
To successfully request a post-judgment modification, the requesting party must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances since the original court order was issued.
Examples of such changes include:
- Change in income or financial circumstances. This can include the loss of a job, reduced earnings, or a substantial increase in either party’s financial resources.
- Change in parental or child needs. This can include a child developing health or educational needs requiring special care, or a parent’s relocation due to employment or other unavoidable circumstances.
- Health or disability changes. Either party experiencing a severe health issue or disability that impacts his or her ability to comply with existing orders.
- Cohabitation. For alimony modifications, circumstances in which the supported party is cohabitating with another person may be a basis for modification
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“I had a fairly complex case which involved adultery. Janet & Olivia were able to dissect the issue in a stepwise, logical manner, delivering ample rewards during the actual trial.”- Former Client
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“I know Ferro Family Law provided me the very best outcome I could hope for. Since then, I have retained them to represent me in some post judgment actions.”- Former Client
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“From the first time I met Janet & Olivia, through the end of my case, I knew I was in great hands. I cannot thank Ferro Family Law enough.”- Former Client
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“Aggressive, compassionate, cost-effective. I regularly refer Janet & Olivia to some of my most sensitive divorce cases. They are results-focused and responsive.”- Attorney Referral
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“This compassionate group of knowledgeable attorneys helped me and my children. I have and will continue to refer this firm to anyone in need of counsel for divorce.”- Former Client
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“Not only did Janet & Olivia quickly help me secure all protections for my daughter, they also ingeniously found a way to impel my spouse to get proper treatment.”- Former Client
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“Janet & Olivia genuinely care about all aspects of the client’s case and pay close attention to the client’s concerns, goals, and finances.”- Former Client
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“I have worked on several matters with Janet and Olivia. They are amazing attorneys. Smart, thorough and practical.”- Former Client
Have Questions?
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What is alimony?Alimony is a court-ordered payment from one party to another. There are several factors that come into play when determining if one party should be granted alimony including, but not limited to, the length of the marriage, the amount and sources of income, and the causes for the breakdown of the marriage. Connecticut does not have alimony guidelines, which means that the decision to award alimony, including the duration and the amount, is entirely in the judge’s discretion.
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What is the difference between a divorce and a legal separation?Both a legal separation and divorce will change the status of your relationship. However, a divorce will end your marriage, and a legal separation will not. Both terms are similar but the outcome in each is different. In both, the court will divide the parties’ property and enter alimony and child support orders. Unlike divorce if spouses are legally separated, they are not free to remarry. Spouses may elect a legal separation over divorce for religious reasons or to keep certain financial benefits. A legal separation can always be converted into a divorce. Converting a legal separation into a divorce effectively requires the parties to repeat the process they went through to get legally separated. For that reason, legal separation is rare; divorce is far more common.
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How are child support obligations determined?In Connecticut, when determining child support, the court is required to consider the Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines. The Guidelines set forth a presumptive child support award for each case based upon the parties’ combined net weekly incomes and the number of children the parties have. In addition, the court may consider a number of other factors, including, but not limited to, the estate and needs of the child, vocational skills and employability of each parent, and each parent’s earning capacity. The court may also deviate from the presumptive child support for different reasons, which can include shared physical custody, coordination of total family support, or extraordinary disparity in parental income. To learn more about the calculation of child support in Connecticut, including high-income cases, click here.
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How can a divorce lawyer help?Having a divorce lawyer will help to make the divorce process less confusing and overwhelming. A divorce lawyer will be able to advise you on the law and realistic outcomes for settling your case or at trial. In addition, a divorce lawyer will manage the case, including dealing with the other side, and advocating for your positions.
