Lowell, Massachusetts, Changing Existing Court Orders
Sometimes, existing court orders for child custody or child support need to be changed. Other times, enforcement is necessary. Our Merrimack Valley law firm, the Law Office of John K. Leslie, P.C., offers practical legal support that helps parents get the results they need and deserve in these matters.
Child Support Modification and Enforcement
Under Massachusetts law, changes to child support are warranted when there is a substantial change in circumstances. On the face of it, courts look at substantial change as one where the paying parent is earning either 20 percent more or 20 percent less than when the original child support order was granted. We often help our clients determine whether legal action is warranted for a child support modification, talking with them and creating the best plan of action.
As an experienced family law attorney, John K. Leslie can also bring contempt actions when a parent refuses to pay child support owed. Using in-depth knowledge of the law, Mr. Leslie is also well equipped to defend these actions when they are unfair or unjust.
Enforcement and Modification of Child Custody
As family circumstances change, it is often necessary to change child custody and visitation as well. We can help. The Law Office of John K. Leslie, P.C., has had considerable success in achieving results for families who need child custody orders enforced or modified.
When a Parent Plans to Move Out of State
When a divorced or separated parent plans to take a child out of Massachusetts, there are some legal considerations he or she must make. The Massachusetts court that granted the original child custody order still has the power — the jurisdiction — over child custody decisions. Changes to custody and visitation, like the decision to move out of state, must be done with the court's approval.
Failure to get the court's approval can have serious consequences. Parents who move out of state without the court's permission may risk losing child custody all together. In a worst-case scenario, they could be accused of parental kidnapping.
Contact the Law Office of John K. Leslie, P.C.
To talk with a lawyer about your child custody or child support modification, contact our Chelmsford, Massachusetts, law office at 978-934-9100. In many cases, an initial 30-minute consultation is offered at no charge. We accept most major credit cards.
