Experienced Rochester Lawyer Petitions for Post-Divorce Modifications

Trusted New York counselor handles changes to support and custody orders

After a divorce is finalized and some time passes, the agreed-upon terms for spousal support, child support and child custody may no longer serve their purposes effectively or fairly. Changes in the parties’ finances or domestic circumstances may require revisiting the terms of the order. At the Law Office of Maurice J. Verrillo, P.C. in Rochester, New York, we pursue modifications to court orders, seeking solutions that allow each spouse to maintain their integrity while doing what is best for their family. We adhere to Christian principles in all facets of our practice.

Compassionate attorney represents parents during modification proceedings

In New York, family court judges have the power to amend orders if the circumstances of one spouse’s life have changed significantly since the divorce. However, judges will deny modification requests if one party is simply trying to gain an advantage or get out of obligations.

Our firm can review your circumstances and determine whether you have a basis for requesting a modification of an order for:

• Custody and visitation — Changing a joint custody order to a sole custody order, or vice versa, is possible if doing so would be in the best interest of the child. Visitation rights may also be granted or revoked through a hearing in family court.
• Child support —If one parent’s income changes by 15 percent or more from the time the initial child support order is made, or if the costs of raising a child prove to be substantially different than what was anticipated, the payment amount required by the original order may be revised if it is no longer be fair for one of the parties or both.
• Spousal support — A spouse who receives alimony (also called maintenance) may lose entitlement to these payments if he or she remarries or experiences an increase in income. On the other end, a paying spouse may be entitled to a reduction in the payment obligation if he or she loses a job and cannot find new employment at a similar level of salary.
• Division of property — If the equitable distribution process was tainted by either spouse’s failure to fully disclose assets or debts, the order may be revisited and revised.

With more than 30 years of professional experience, attorney Maurice J. Verrillo knows how to develop strong and convincing arguments both for and against modification of family court orders.

Determined lawyer helps with modifications involving special circumstances

Achieving a modification can often be contentious. A motion must be filed, evidence must be collected and presented and a hearing must be held. It is difficult to prove entitlement for a modification in certain situations, such as an allegation that a spouse committed fraud or hid assets during divorce proceedings or that a spouse has deliberately reduced his or her earnings to lessen the obligation to pay child or spousal support. Our firm will conduct the necessary investigation and work to build a case for fair modification.

We also rise to the defense of those whose spouses make frivolous attempts at modification only to escape legitimate obligations. Using the same investigatory skills, we can establish the lack of a reasonable basis for such claims.

Contact a caring Rochester divorce modification attorney for a free initial consultation

At the Law Office of Maurice J. Verrillo, P.C. in Rochester, we maintain a faith-based, community-focused practice. If you need assistance with pursuing or defending against a modification of a New York family court order, call us at 585-563-1134 or contact us online. We offer a free first-time consultation.