North Shore Support Modification Lawyer
Life changes, and your circumstances may have evolved since the divorce decree was issued a few years ago, making it no suitable for your current situation. Illinois law accounts for changes in a support settlement, including both alimony and child support, if one party experiences a significant change in financial circumstances. However, modifying your support order is a complex legal matter that requires a certain amount of proof. Our North Shore, Chicago support modification lawyer can help you file your petition to change your order, whether you’re the paying party or the recipient. Call Merel Family Law today for a consultation.
Support Modification Lawyer North Shore, Chicago
Are you struggling to meet your child or spousal support obligations after losing a job, having your hours cut, or incurring other debts you can’t pay? If your financial situation has taken a turn for the worse, you may have grounds to petition a Cook or Lake County family law judge for a change in the support order. However, you must demonstrate at least a 15% change in your material circumstances and demonstrate that you meet certain “unemployability” guidelines before a judge approves the petition.
What if you’re the recipient of child or spousal support (or both) and your needs suddenly change. You may have been laid off, or become disabled and no longer able to sustain gainful employment. Or, maybe your child’s needs have changed (such as becoming disabled or requiring special educational needs), and you need more money to support them. Our North Shore support modification lawyer can help in that situation as well, building a strong case for your petition, gathering acceptable documents to show your change in circumstances, and demonstrating how your situation is unlikely to change.
Finally, we can help in cases where one party’s finances have significantly improved since the decree was finalized. Your ex may have gotten a significant pay bump, and you want to petition the court for a higher monthly allocation. Whatever your reasons for needing a change to the support order, we can review them with you and advise you of your options under Illinois family laws.
Our Experience Matters In Your Support Modification Petition
Judges rarely change an existing support order unless you present a clear and compelling case and proof of the change in material circumstances. There are strict criteria that must be met, so it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who knows how to construct a solid argument for your position. Our NorthShore support modification lawyer has the experience you need for the best outcome.
- Named one of the Best Law Firms in the U.S. by Best Lawyers, an elite peer-nominated honor
- Firm founder Jonathan Merel was peer-selected to the Best Lawyers list (2023)
- Managing partner Melissa Caballero Dunn received the Clients’ Choice Award from AVVO, an honor awarded based on her results and commitment to client needs (2024)
- Our attorneys are licensed to practice in multiple states
Do you need to modify an existing child or spousal support order? Call Merel Family Law today for a consultation.
