Fresno Post-Judgment Modification and Enforcement Attorney

Court proceedings can resolve problems arising between divorced couples

Divorced couples and other co-parents who don’t live together may find later that the circumstances have changed in ways that make honoring a divorce decree or other family court order difficult or unworkable. Disputes can also give rise to a need to enforce a decree or order. At Gates Law Group, A Professional Corporation, our Fresno judgment modification and enforcement lawyer assists Californian residents in resolving these issues. 

Types of court orders that you may need to modify or enforce

Divorce judgments often include the following provisions that might need to be enforced or modified:

• Child and spousal support — A change in financial circumstances for one or both parties might render the original order ineffective, or the obligated party might refuse to pay.
• Child custody — Either parent might argue that the original order requires modification. A custodial parent might seek court help to address alleged interference with their rights by the non-custodial parent. 
• Parenting time — Orders might need adjusting as children’s needs change or because a parent relocates. Failure to honor the parenting time order might require court intervention.

Our family law attorney helps with enforcement and modification of these orders.

Modification of orders

A family court order can be modified if there is a substantial change of circumstances since the order was entered. For instance, a change in one or both of the parties’ incomes might support a change in child or spousal support. A modification of an order affecting child custody or parenting time must be in the child’s best interests. The party requesting a modification must file a motion in court, serve the opposing party and present evidence at a hearing before a judge. We present the strongest case we can in favor of our clients’ positions, whether they are seeking or opposing the modification.

Enforcement of orders

There can be situations when a party fails to fulfill obligations required by a family court order. For instance, a non-custodial parent might refuse to pay child support to the custodial parent or refuse to return a child after the end of their court-ordered parenting time and a custodial parent might deprive the other of their parenting time. In such cases, the court has several tools for enforcing compliance. These include contempt proceedings, which could result in fines or imprisonment for the violator. In the case of child or spousal support, the court can order wage garnishment. If you need to enforce a family court order, you can count on us to effectively represent you.

Contact a Fresno post-judgment modification and enforcement lawyer for a consultation

Gates Law Group, A Professional Corporation helps modify and enforce divorce decrees and other family law orders throughout California. Our firm’s main office is in Fresno and we also have locations in Paso Robles and Visalia. Please call 559-432-9944 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.