Spokane Modifications & Enforcement Attorney

Court-Ordered Child Support & Spousal Maintenance Modifications & Enforcement

During a divorce, spouses may agree on how to split marital property, but they often disagree on how to handle child support or spousal maintenance (maintenance or alimony). If you need to change the terms of your divorce agreement regarding child support or spousal maintenance, you may be able to ask a judge for a modification of your divorce decree. Ellen M. Hendrick, PLLC, can help you prepare the necessary documents and represent you in court if necessary.

Call us today at (509) 402-2248 to find out how we can help you get the terms of your divorce modified.

Modifications to Child Support

According to Washington State law, a court can change a child support order in a modification proceeding only if there has been a change in circumstances since the order was issued. If you can show that your income has decreased or your child's expenses have increased since the order was issued, the court may allow a decrease in your child support payments.

Conversely, if your income has increased or your child's expenses have decreased since the order was issued, the court may allow an increase in your child support payments.

Modifications to Spousal Maintenance

Washington State law allows a court to change an order for spousal maintenance (maintenance or alimony) in a modification proceeding only if there has been a change in circumstances since the order was issued. If you can show that your income has decreased or your former spouse's expenses have increased since the order was issued, the court may allow a decrease in your spousal maintenance payments.

Conversely, if your income has increased or your former spouse's expenses have decreased since the order was issued, the court may allow an increase in your spousal maintenance payments.

Beyond a Modification: Enforcement of Divorce Decrees

If your former spouse is not complying with your divorce decree, Ellen M. Hendrick, PLLC can help you enforce the terms of your divorce agreement by filing a petition for enforcement. For example, if your ex-spouse is not making their required child support payments, we can file a petition with the court on your behalf asking them to enforce your child support order. If your ex-spouse is not complying with any other terms of your divorce decree, we can help you take action to enforce those terms as well.

Contact Us Today

If you need to modify a divorce decree, contact Ellen M. Hendrick, PLLC at (509) 402-2248 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. We offer flexible hours and accept most insurance.