Adjusting Parenting Plans and Modifying Spousal Support and Child Support for Life’s Changes
At Northeast Ohio Family Law and Mediation LLC, we resolve post-decree issues through meaningful discussions and structured negotiations in mediation rather than returning to court. Our expertise entails unwinding emotionally-charged relationships with good communication and practicality.
When there is a change in circumstances, a modification of parenting time, spousal support, or child support may be warranted. In parenting plan modifications, we can address specific issues or a new amended parenting plan. We also guide our clients through the support modification process including collecting financial information and documents, providing potential ranges of options and outcomes, and running updated child support guidelines.
Through mediation, we iron out post-divorce and other post-decree disputes as the first line of defense to help our clients avoid a premature return to court without the opportunity to discuss and rectify the situation. We assist our clients in reaching agreements that pave the way to a smoother parenting path.
Post-Decree Issues:
- Parenting Time Schedule Changes
- Relocation and School Selection
- Communication Issues
- Extracurricular Activity Disputes
- Spousal Support Modification
- Child Support Modification
- Payment of Expenses and Reconciliation
- Interpretation of Parenting Plan Provisions
Coparenting Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution:
Mediation can also be used to reduce the stress of coparenting, disagreements, and compliance under an existing shared parenting plan or court order. We work with parents to facilitate difficult conversations they cannot otherwise have on their own without the turmoil caused by emotions and disagreements. Even if a modification is not needed, we can be engaged for purposes of conflict management and dispute resolution when issues arise and on an as needed basis. Through in person meetings or videoconferences, we help resolve both major and minor issues to avoid the cost of lawyers and ongoing arguments. The conversations are confidential and private and avoid the return to court or litigation. We use a structured mediation process to help parents build better relationships with each other and their children.
Examples of Successful Post-Decree Mediations
Improving Communication.
In mediation, the parents reviewed their parenting plan together and the mediator weighed in on how they could better implement the plan to avoid disputes. The parents had productive discussions that they could not otherwise have on their own, which rebuilt some trust to handle other matters on their own.
Parenting Time Schedule Change.
The children grew older and the parents needed to modify parenting time but could not agree on a schedule. The parents arrived at a near-equal schedule that focused on the time they were available to the children. They also worked out a better system for exchanging expense receipts and sharing transportation.
Unemployment and Support Modification.
One party lost their job and needed a modification of support, while the other parent needed support to pay bills. The parties discussed a temporary modification to address the lack of income, and then returned to mediation to address the permanent modification based on new employment.
Improving Communication.
In mediation, the parents reviewed their parenting plan together and the mediator weighed in on how they could better implement the plan to avoid disputes. The parents had productive discussions that they could not otherwise have on their own, which rebuilt some trust to handle other matters on their own.
Parenting Time Schedule Change.
The children grew older and the parents needed to modify parenting time but could not agree on a schedule. The parents arrived at a near-equal schedule that focused on the time they were available to the children. They also worked out a better system for exchanging expense receipts and sharing transportation.
Unemployment and Support Modification.
One party lost their job and needed a modification of support, while the other parent needed support to pay bills. The parties discussed a temporary modification to address the lack of income, and then returned to mediation to address the permanent modification based on new employment.
Address Life’s Changes with Our Mediator Serving Northeast Ohio
We are here to help you amend the terms of your divorce or custody arrangement to reflect your current reality.
If you are looking for a less adversarial, more cost-effective way to address family law order modification, reach out to us by filling out our contact form or calling us at 440-696-0550.