Westlake Village
Divorce Modification Attorney
Life changes after divorce. When it does, your legal agreements may need to change too. At Mahdavi & Mahdavi Family Law, we help clients throughout Ventura and Los Angeles Counties modify existing divorce orders to reflect their current circumstances.
Why choose us
Why Clients Trust Our Team With Divorce Modifications
Guidance for Post-Divorce Changes
A divorce judgment is not always the end of the legal process. When circumstances change significantly, existing orders may no longer be fair or workable. We help clients understand when a modification is appropriate and how to pursue one effectively.
Clear Advice When Circumstances Change
Knowing whether your situation qualifies for a modification requires an honest legal assessment. We give clients a straightforward evaluation of their circumstances and a realistic picture of what a modification proceeding is likely to involve.
Support for Financial and Parenting Issues
Modifications most commonly involve spousal support, child support, and custody arrangements. We handle all three areas and help clients address interconnected issues together rather than piece by piece.
Responsive Communication and Strategy
Post-divorce legal matters often arise unexpectedly and require a prompt response. We keep clients informed, respond quickly, and develop a clear strategy from the moment you reach out.
Do You Need to Revisit Your Divorce Agreement?
Divorce agreements are designed to reflect the circumstances of both parties at the time they are made. But circumstances change. A job loss, a significant income increase, a serious illness, or a shift in custody needs can all make an existing agreement unworkable or unfair. California law allows for post-divorce modifications when a genuine and substantial change in circumstances has occurred.
At Mahdavi & Mahdavi Family Law, we help clients determine whether their situation meets that standard and guide them through the modification process from start to finish.
What Can Be Modified After Divorce?
Not every part of a divorce judgment can be changed after the fact. The areas most commonly subject to modification are spousal support, child support, and child custody.
01.
Spousal Support
Spousal support orders can be modified if there has been a significant change in either party's financial situation, such as a job loss, a substantial increase in income, remarriage, or a change in the supported spouse's ability to earn. The modification must reflect a genuine change, not simply a preference for a different arrangement.
02.
Child Support
Child support is calculated based on each parent's income and the amount of parenting time each parent has with the child. When either of those factors changes significantly, a modification to the existing support order may be warranted. We help clients pursue timely adjustments that accurately reflect their current situation.
03.
Child Custody
Custody arrangements can be modified when a change in circumstances affects the best interests of the child. This may include a parent's relocation, a significant change in a parent's availability, concerns about a child's safety, or a meaningful shift in the child's needs as they grow older.
When a Change in Circumstances May Lead to Modification
California courts require evidence of a substantial change in circumstances before approving a modification to an existing divorce order. Common situations that may qualify include:
- Loss of employment or a significant reduction in income
- A promotion, new job, or meaningful increase in earnings
- Serious illness or physical injury affecting earning capacity or parenting ability
- Concerns involving drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence, or child neglect
- An arrest or criminal conviction affecting a parent's circumstances
- Remarriage or the establishment of a new household
- A proposed relocation that affects existing custody or visitation arrangements
Each situation is evaluated on its own facts. Whether a change qualifies as substantial enough to support a modification depends on the specifics of your case and the terms of your existing order.
Can Property or Assets Ever Be Modified?
In most cases, the division of property and assets in a divorce is final once the judgment is entered. Unlike support or custody arrangements, property division is generally not subject to modification based on a change in circumstances. However, there are limited situations where a court may revisit asset-related decisions, most commonly when there is evidence that one party failed to fully disclose assets during the original divorce proceedings.
If you believe your settlement was based on incomplete or fraudulent financial disclosure, it is worth speaking with an attorney to understand your options.
When Should You Speak With a Divorce Modification Attorney?
You should speak with an attorney as soon as you believe a significant change in your circumstances may warrant a modification, or as soon as your former spouse has indicated they intend to seek one. Acting early gives you time to gather the documentation needed to support your position and to prepare a clear legal strategy before any proceedings begin. Whether you are seeking a change or responding to one, experienced representation makes a meaningful difference in the outcome.
Testimonials
Why Clients Trust Our Family Law Firm
Here's what it's like to have our team on your side.
Shireen, Stephanie, and the rest of the team are incredibly thorough, efficient, and knowledgeable. I didn't have a question they couldn't answer, and those answers were prompt and detailed whenever I asked them. They always kept my best interests at the forefront and did everything they could to make a difficult time as seamless as possible. I can't recommend their services enough.
I cannot say enough good things about the Law offices of Stephanie Mahdavi! This legal team is amazing and helped me through my divorce with ease. Being able to work so closely with both Stephanie and Lisa made a world of difference during this difficult process. I am so grateful and will recommend Stephanie and her team to anyone who needs their services.
Shireen, Stephanie, Jami and Carlos, and the entire team at the Law Offices of Stephanie Mahdavi provided outstanding support, equipping me with the knowledge and options needed to navigate my case effectively. Their dedication, clear guidance, and diligent advocacy made all the difference. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking knowledgeable and compassionate legal representation. Thanks team!
Contact us
Start With a Consultation
The first step is a confidential conversation. Tell us what you are facing, and we will explain your options clearly and honestly.
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or Call: 805-379-4550