Murrieta Modification Lawyer

Murrieta Modification Attorney

Circumstances in life are always changing. Countless issues can arise in the time following your initial agreement with your co-parent, necessitating a modification. If you need to modify your child custody or child support agreement, a Murrieta modification lawyer can help you negotiate a new deal that works for you.

About Us

Our team at Najera Law Group, APC, has spent years assisting the people of Murrieta and Riverside County in their family law matters. Our founder, E. Steve Najera, has over 20 years of experience practicing law in California, assisting clients with a variety of family and criminal defense cases. Our team of legal professionals is prepared to guide you through the modification process.

California Modification Case Overview

A post-judgment modification is the official term for when you need to change some aspect of an ongoing family law matter, such as child support, child custody, and visitation. Modifications can only be made if there is a serious material change in circumstances. Some common examples of when modifications are necessary include:

• A significant change in a parent’s income, either raising or lowering, to a degree that requires reevaluation
• A decline in the ability of one parent to care for the child
• A desire by one parent to move far enough away that it will directly impact shared custody or visitation
• A significant increase in a child’s financial needs, such as new educational costs or medical bills
• New evidence of abuse or neglect by a parent or guardian

Every modification case begins with filing a Request for Order, alongside additional documents required depending on the case. An Income and Expense Declaration is used for cases related to support. If custody-related, an FL-105 is included, detailing the child’s past five-year living situation. All documents must be submitted to the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, located at 4175 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501.

After filing, you must notify your co-parent. This notification includes copies of all submitted documents and relevant information as detailed in California Code of Civil Procedure sections 415.10 through 415.95.

Hire a Modification Lawyer

Modifying a previous court decision can be a complex case that is challenging to work on your own. You can work a modification case alone, but it is highly recommended that you hire a modification lawyer. Your Murrieta modification attorney can assist you with every step of the process. They can help you file initial paperwork, gather supporting evidence, and advocate for your interests in any potential litigation.

At Najera Law Group, APC, we can aid in a variety of ways. The following are case types we represent and services we provide.

Child Support

In 2024, Riverside County had 72,300 child support cases. Many of these cases required modifications to match changes in circumstances. If you are an obligor unable to pay as you once did, our team can help you receive an up-to-date evaluation of the support you can provide.

We also aid obligees who are not receiving what they deserve. In Riverside County, only 73.5% of current child support cases were given what was owed, leaving thousands underpaid. If you are one of the families without proper payment, we can fight to enforce court orders and get you the money you are due.

Child Custody

Custody arrangements may require new attention for a variety of reasons. The children may start living with the non-custodial parent, visitation schedules can be incompatible, or there may be new concerns about the other parent’s ability to care for your child. Whatever the reason, our team can represent you in court and can get results that are in the best interest of the children.

Some modification cases require action right away. If you suspect your child is in immediate risk of harm, we can help file an emergency order to give you temporary full custody. These situations can be intense, and our team can handle the paperwork so you can focus on your child’s safety.

FAQs

What if the Other Party Refuses the Modification to Your Case?

In some modification cases, the other party involved may contest the changes you wish to make. It may require more time, but overall, the court will decide based on the strength of your evidence and argument. If your former spouse or co-parent disagrees with the update, it’s important to focus on building your own case with the help of a modification lawyer.

Can Child Support Be Modified Without Going to Court in Murrieta, CA?

In Murrieta, CA, you may wish to make a change to your child support without a court visit. Parents who agree on the updates can file a stipulation to modify child support, or request a review and adjustment with their Local Child Support Agency. Both processes require some interaction with the court system and a signature from a judge. This is to protect both parents and children in the event of future support issues.

How Much Does a California Modification Lawyer Cost?

How much your California modification lawyer will cost relies on the complexity of the case, the cooperation with other parties, and the work hours required. A minor change to child support with the support of a co-parent is generally cheaper than a heavily contested overhaul to child custody. Your modification attorney can provide you with an estimate based on the specific details of your case of what the total cost may be.

When Should You File Your Child Support Modification in California?

When you should request a modification to your child support depends on your economic reality. If you are expecting a loss of income in the near future, you may have less urgency to file than if the problem is more immediate. Each case benefits from starting the process as early as possible, as support changes only take effect once completed. Waiting to file will result in either paying more than you can afford or receiving less than you need.

Meet With a Modification Lawyer Today

At Najera Law Group, APC, we have the knowledge and experience to make a positive difference in your modification negotiations.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation, where we can discuss your modification case options. You may also visit our Menifee office, located on Newport Road, a few blocks west of exit 10 off the Escondido Freeway.