Court Order Modification Attorney

New Jersey Family Law Lawyers Focused On Helping You

Many family law cases in New Jersey involve court orders. And if you or any other party violate such orders, the legal consequences can often be severe and may include court fines and other penalties.

In some cases, you might be able to avoid such penalties by seeking a court order modification. However, obtaining a modification to an existing court order can often be extremely complicated. That’s why it’s critical that you have an experienced lawyer on your side who understands how the legal system works.

Our New Jersey family law attorneys at Williams Law Group, LLC can help you every step of the way. We realize how challenging it can often be to obtain a modification to an existing court order, especially in many family law cases. That’s why we take great pride in our ability to rise to the challenge and help individuals successfully obtain a court order modification.

Modification of Court Orders in New Jersey Family Law Cases

You are aware that you must follow court orders. However, what if you can’t follow an order? If you fail to comply with an order, the party that is harmed can file a petition to enforce the order and the court can then hold you in contempt.

Sometimes, life events occur that get in the way of your best efforts to follow court orders. For example, what if you were a surgeon and suffered irreparable hand injuries? Or what if you were in an accident that left you unable to work? These are events that have permanently altered your ability to earn income.

Unfortunately, the court orders you are under do not reflect these life-altering events. So, what can you do about it? Your best option may be to seek a modification of a court order with the help of a New Jersey family law attorney at our firm.

What is the Modification Action in New Jersey?

A modification action is the act of filing a petition to ask a court to change a prior order in a particular family law case. Sometimes there is a legitimate reason that someone cannot comply with a court order, rather than some malicious act of defiance. This may include permanent changes in income, changes in life circumstances, or changes in a child’s circumstances.

To obtain a modification, you generally must demonstrate a substantial change of circumstance. Even if you fail to meet your burden, it is best to be the one to inform the court of your changed circumstances before the other party files an action for enforcement and contempt.

A petition to modify can be filed on the following orders:

• Custody and visitation orders. You may want increased visitation with your child, and you can seek a modification of the current orders if you can demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances. However, beware that courts are focused on the best interest of the child, so there may be unintended consequences, such as if the child reports that he or she does not want to visit with you.
• Alimony orders and child support orders. For these orders, you may be able to demonstrate a substantial change if you can demonstrate that your income has permanently and significantly decreased. Further, for child support orders, you may be able to demonstrate a substantial change if the child’s living arrangements have changed and the child is now living with you for extensive periods of time, increasing your daily child-related expenses.

Which New Jersey Courts Handle Court Order Modifications?

In many cases, a judge in the Family Superior Court of New Jersey handles requests for post-judgment modifications to existing court orders, especially when these requests involve modifications to legal agreements involving alimony, child support, child custody and parent visitation schedules.

Anyone seeking a modification to a court order should be aware as well that most requests must be submitted in writing to the court that has jurisdiction over the case. Often, such written requests involve filling out and submitting a form (Often, NJ Court Form 11487 in many cases) as part of a formal court order modification request process. Other court forms must also often be submitted as part of the process.

With so much at stake and so many things that can go wrong, this is why it’s important to have an experienced attorney in New Jersey handling your request for modification to a court order. Otherwise, your request might be denied or delayed, costing you precious time and money.

Speak with a New Jersey Family Law Attorney for Help Modifying a Court Order

The reason why you’re seeking a modification to a court order may be due to a major life change yourself, whether it’s a change in your employment status, your health or another important personal matter.

With so much happening in your life, it’s easy to make a mistake when seeking a court order modification. Fortunately, you’re not alone. We can help. Our legal team can skillfully guide you through the legal process and make sure your rights are respected.

Our New Jersey family law attorneys are passionate about helping people and know how to handle the legal obstacles that often arise in such situations. Contact the Williams Law Group, LLC to learn more about the modification process for court orders in New Jersey family law cases. We’re here to help you get your life back on track.