Legal Services At The Intersection Of Business And Life

Clarksville Post-Divorce Lawyers

Committed Clarksville Post-Divorce Attorneys Ready To Assist You

Clients often think that once the divorce papers are signed, things will be set in stone for the future. However, the one constant in life is change. As changes happen, families often find themselves in need of a different arrangement with regard to the matters settled in divorce. Although post-divorce adjustments are common, sometimes they can be complex. Sometimes, the post-divorce modification merely requires language changes or clarification, but sometimes, the modifications are much more challenging. Contact our dedicated Clarksville post-divorce lawyers for experienced representation.

At Batson Nolan PLC, we understand the importance of creating solid documents that will protect the client in the future, but we also understand what is required and necessary to make adjustments as changes occur. We are well-versed in addressing child custody and child support modifications, as well as modifications to alimony obligations, as the parties’ post-divorce circumstances evolve and shift.

Contents hide 1. Committed Clarksville Post-Divorce Attorneys Ready To Assist You 2. Parenting Plan Modifications 3. Relocation 4. Child Support Modifications 5. Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) Modifications 6. Contact Our Experienced Clarksville Post-Divorce Lawyer From Batson Nolan PLC For Help

Parenting Plan Modifications

A parenting plan modification is a change to the existing custody order. In order to modify the custody or visitation in an existing parenting plan, there must first be a material change of circumstances that took place after the entry of the original parenting plan. The definition of material change for modification purposes is somewhat fluid and differs depending on whether a change in custody (change of primary residential parent from one party to the other) or a change in the visitation schedule (the day-to-day schedule of the child) is in question. A material change could be something like a change in an employment schedule, the relocation of a parent, criminal charges against one of the parents, drug or alcohol dependency of one of the parents or even the changing needs of the child as he or she grows.

The second prong of the modification test involves whether the material change makes a modification of the parenting plan in the best interest of the child. The burden is on the party wishing to change the existing parenting plan to illustrate that a material change exists and that the modification of the plan is in the best interest of the child. At Batson Nolan PLC, we understand the subtle case law differences between material changes for the purpose of custodial versus visitation changes and are prepared to advise and advocate accordingly. Oftentimes, parties wish to make changes to the parenting plan because they did not fully think through the plan before they agreed and are unhappy with the agreed-upon plan. Once a plan is in place, it is very difficult to make changes. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the initial parenting plan is drafted correctly.

Do you have more questions or would like to discuss your situation with our established and proven Clarksville post-divorce attorney? Call us today; we are here to help you.

Relocation

If you or the other parent has a job opportunity, new relationship, educational opportunity or other promising reason to leave the area, relocation may be considered. However, Tennessee law requires any parent planning to relocate with the child out of state or more than 50 miles away from the other parent to give notice to the other parent. The other parent will then have the right to object to the move. If the parents cannot reach an agreement, the parent wishing to move will need to modify the parenting plan. The court will consider whether the move is in the child’s best interest and how the move might impact the child’s relationship with the parent who is not moving.

Child Support Modifications

An existing child support order may be modified upon application by either parent, but only if the court finds that a significant variance exists between the current child support obligation and the proposed child support amount. The child support guidelines define the significant variance as a 15% variance in the child support obligation. This modification generally takes place when one of the parents’ incomes increases or decreases significantly. In the event of an income decrease for one of the parents, the court will determine whether the decrease is due to the parent’s voluntary underemployment or not.

In Tennessee, the child support obligation is calculated using a formula known as an income shares model. In the income shares model, the gross monthly incomes of each of the parents are entered into an equation, as is the number of nights per year that the child spends with each of the parents. The child support amount reflects credits that each parent may receive for medical and health care premiums and work-related child care expenses. The child support obligation may deviate upward or downward, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For example, the court may approve a downward deviation in the child support obligation if the obligor parent is paying for all private school tuition or all extracurricular or sporting activities. Any deviation from the child support worksheet amount must be specifically outlined and approved by the court.

In instances in which the obligor parent has a very high income, the court may order an upward deviation in child support in the form of an educational trust. Courts will sometimes utilize this method in order to allow for private school tuition or post-secondary education for children in high-income families. It is important to note that in high-income families, the amount of child support is capped at $2100 per month for one child. In cases in which an upward deviation is warranted, the upward deviation will be in the form of an educational trust for the child or children rather than a cash windfall for the other parent. In Tennessee, trial courts have the discretion to order that the modification be effective as of the date the modification petition was filed, the date of the hearing on the modification or any appropriate date in between. Our highly knowledgeable Clarksville post-divorce attorneys know the ins and outs of Tennessee child support modifications. Get in touch with us to discuss your situation.

Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) Modifications

As a general rule, the distribution of marital property is final and is not subject to modification. This is why it is so important to make sure all documents are well-drafted. Despite this general rule, sometimes it is necessary to return to court if one party has not abided by the terms of the divorce agreement or because the terms set forth in the MDA are unclear or ambiguous. It is not uncommon that the parties require the assistance of the court in determining the meaning of a particular provision or in forcing a party to perform a task set forth in the divorce agreement.

At Batson Nolan PLC, our determined post-divorce lawyers are prepared to assist you in enforcing the terms of your agreement or modifying the previous agreement if changes are required. We are prepared to provide clients with strong and effective representation in the event that the other party does not honor the divorce agreement and is in contempt of a court order. We are prepared to argue the matter in order to ensure that you get what was ordered by the court.

As life changes, oftentimes the ability to pay alimony also changes, and adjustments might be necessary. There are numerous statutes and case laws that govern the modification of spousal support awards. This is one area of the MDA that is often revisited for a possible modification. At Batson Nolan PLC, we are prepared to present your case and outline the changes that warrant a modification of a spousal support award. Sometimes, that modification can be based on a change in employment, illness or a military service member electing to take a portion of his or her retirement in the form of a VA disability waiver. Modifications to spousal support are largely dependent upon the type of alimony awarded, the specific language of the original divorce documents, and the individual circumstances of the case.

Contact Our Experienced Clarksville Post-Divorce Lawyer From Batson Nolan PLC For Help

If a life change has resulted in the need to modify your divorce order, parenting plan or other court order, it is vital that you work with an experienced family legal matters attorney. Batson Nolan PLC can assign a legal advocate for your case to explain your rights and fight for the changes you need.

Our experienced legal team also handles other family legal matters, including:

Call us at 931-650-5484 or contact our lawyers online to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our seasoned Tennessee family legal issues attorneys.