Wheaton, IL Post Judgment Modification Attorneys

Trusted Attorneys for Post Judgment Modifications in Wheaton, Illinois

After a divorce is finalized, you usually expect to be done with the legal proceedings. However, this is not always the case. There are sometimes good reasons to revisit your decree, especially when your situation has changed dramatically in the time since the divorce was finalized. In cases like these, working with a Wheaton post-judgment modification attorney is often in your best interests.

Requesting a change to a divorce court order requires following numerous legal steps. At Smit Zaruba P.C., we can guide you through this process and review your petition closely. Our attorneys have been recognized with honors from Super Lawyers, so you can rely on us to provide you with exceptional representation and advice throughout your case.

Can You Modify Child Custody Payments in Illinois?

Child support orders are not necessarily permanent. In Illinois, parents may request a modification of child support when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Courts recognize that life rarely stays the same after a divorce, and financial obligations sometimes need to be adjusted to reflect new realities. Outside of a substantial change, child support orders can also be reviewed and potentially modified every three years.

A substantial change in circumstances can take many forms. A parent may lose a job, experience a significant increase or decrease in income, or face new financial responsibilities. Changes in the child's needs can also justify a modification, such as medical expenses, educational costs, or other significant developments affecting the child's well-being. In some situations, changes to the parenting schedule can also affect the amount of child support that should be paid.

Illinois courts rely on statutory child support guidelines that consider both parents' incomes and the amount of parenting time each parent has with the child. However, a judge may deviate from the guideline amount when appropriate. When you seek to modify a child support order, the court will review the evidence and determine whether the requested change is justified. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that the relevant financial information is clearly presented.

Making Changes to Parenting Time and Decision-Making Responsibility in Illinois

Parenting plans are designed to promote stability for children, but they may be modified when circumstances change significantly. Illinois law allows parents to request changes to parenting time or decision-making responsibility when doing so would serve the child's best interests.

Some requests arise because of practical changes in a parent's life. A parent may relocate for employment, change work schedules, or face new responsibilities that affect availability to care for a child. As children grow older, their educational needs, activities, and relationships may also influence whether the current parenting arrangement still works well.

Changing a Spousal Support Order After Your Divorce

Spousal support, often called maintenance or alimony, may also be modified in Illinois under certain conditions. Like child support, maintenance may be adjusted when there has been a substantial change in circumstances affecting either spouse's financial situation.

For example, a person paying maintenance may experience a job loss, reduced income, or unexpected financial hardship. The spouse receiving support may also see changes in financial circumstances, such as obtaining new employment or experiencing a meaningful increase in earnings. Courts may also consider factors such as retirement, disability, or other major life events when determining whether a modification is appropriate.

Not every maintenance order is modifiable. Some divorce judgments include agreements stating that maintenance is non-modifiable. If that language appears in the original order, the court may not have the authority to change it. An attorney can review your divorce judgment and explain whether modification may be possible under the terms of the order.

Meet With a Wheaton, Illinois Post Judgment Modification Attorney

Court orders entered during a divorce are meant to provide structure, but they may need to be revisited as circumstances evolve. At Smit Zaruba P.C., we represent clients in a wide range of post-decree matters, including modifications to child support, parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, and spousal maintenance. Call 630-480-7600 or contact our Wheaton, IL post judgment modification lawyers to schedule a consultation.