Modifications

Orders are written for one moment in a family's life. Children grow, jobs change and people move. Washington allows support and parenting plans to be changed, but the rules differ for each, and some changes need a strong reason. We help parents on both sides: the one asking for a change and the one responding to it.

Who usually calls us about this

What we do

1. 1 Check whether your change is big enough for the court to act on
2. 2 Recalculate support with current numbers before anyone files
3. 3 Try an agreed modification first, which is faster and cheaper
4. 4 Prepare a clear, child-focused case when you can't agree
5. 5 Respond on time if you were served

How Washington usually handles it

In general terms. Your facts, your county and recent changes in the law all matter, so ask us how this applies to you.

• Support orders can usually be reviewed after a set period or when there is a substantial change in circumstances.
• Major changes to where a child lives require a stronger showing than smaller schedule changes.
• Small adjustments can sometimes be made with a simpler process.
• Until a court changes an order, the old one still applies. Keep following it.

An example of how this can go

Example outcomes are illustrations for this demo, based on common situations. Every family and every case is different. Past results do not predict or guarantee the result of any future case, and nothing here is legal advice. More example outcomes

Common questions

All questions