Child custody, child support, spousal support and other aspects of a divorce settlement are all either decreed or agreed upon in light of the circumstances at the time and with the best interests of the children of the parties.

If either party violates the terms of the divorce settlement, or if the circumstances change significantly, then certain legal actions must be taken. Fuller Jenkins attorneys can help you take the necessary steps to make needed corrections. 

 Child Custody and Child Support Modifications

According to California's family law statutes, you can apply for a modification to your existing child custody or child support order. If there has been a "significant change in circumstances", the court will consider changing the child custody or child support order. This can include:

• Either parent has a significant increase or decrease in income
• Either parent decides to relocate far away or to a new state or country
• Either parent develops bad habits, like drugs, alcohol, abuse or neglect
• New expenses related to the child crop up, like sudden medical expenses

Either parent can file for a modification. However, since complications can affect the end result — often adversely — you should consult with a Fuller Jenkins attorney before you file for a modification.

When either party violates the court decree for child custody, child support or spousal support, that person can be punished in family court. If you can prove that the other party knowingly violated the order, he or she can be held in contempt of court.

Violations can include failure to pay child support or spousal support, failure to drop off or pick up children at the scheduled time, failure to pay certain debts in a timely manner, drinking excessively or doing drugs in front of the children and many other violations depending on the nature of your support and custody arrangements.

A mediator will help you to resolve issues.