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Post-Decree Modifications

Washington County Family Law Firm Represents Clients Seeking Post-Decree Modifications

Resolving family law issues in Washington County, Dakota County, Burnsville, Stillwater and Woodbury, MN

The attorneys at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. understand that families’ needs and dynamics change over time, as children grow up and parents’ lives change. When the circumstances in your life have changed and you need to modify the terms of your divorce, custody, child support or alimony order, our experienced family law attorneys can guide you through the process. We have extensive experience in family law — it’s all we do.

Modifying child support in Minnesota

Minnesota child support laws take into account both parents’ incomes and each parent’s parenting time when determining the appropriate amount of child support. A party requesting an upward or downward modification of a child support order must show that the terms of the existing order are unreasonable or unfair. A party can meet this requirement by showing:

  • Substantially increased or decreased gross income of either parent
  • Substantially increased or decreased need of either parent or the child
  • Receipt of government financial assistance
  • A substantial change in the cost of living
  • Extraordinary medical expenses of the child
  • A change in the availability or cost of healthcare coverage
  • A change in childcare expenses
  • Emancipation of the child through marriage or separate legal proceedings

A change is considered substantial if application of state child support guidelines to the parents’ current circumstances would result in a child support amount that’s at least 20 percent higher or lower than the existing support payment.

Modifications of child custody or visitation

Initial custody determinations are based on the best interests of the child, but modifications of custody are generally based on whether or not the child is endangered by the custodial parent Either parent can ask the court to modify child custody if a year has passed since the latest custody order was issued. In limited circumstances, a parent can seek modification if less than one year has passed since the existing custody order was issued. Minnesota law requires a party to show that the child’s circumstances have changed and that a change in custody would serve the child’s best interests.

Child endangerment issues

Child endangerment is one of the exceptions to the one-year waiting period for filing for a modification after a custody order has been issued. Endangerment can be sufficient justification for a modification if:

  • The child’s present environment endangers the child’s physical health
  • The child’s present environment endangers the child’s emotional health
  • The child’s present environment impairs the child’s emotional development
  • Any harm likely to be caused to the child by a change of environment is outweighed by the potential advantages to the child

If you believe your child is in danger because of the current custody arrangement, contact an experienced family law attorney without delay to begin the modification process.

Modification of spousal maintenance

Under Minnesota law, a party can reopen a spousal maintenance order if the court specifically left the alimony award open for future modification. Other situations that may justify reopening a spousal maintenance order include:

  •  A change in either party’s financial circumstances
  • Other reasons that make it no longer fair for the spousal maintenance award to apply

If you believe the spousal maintenance in your case needs to be modified, contact an experienced family law attorney to discuss your situation.

When you need to modify the terms of your divorce, custody, child support or alimony order, the family law attorneys at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. can guide you through the process. We serve clients throughout Minnesota, including in Washington County, Dakota County, Burnsville, Eagan and Woodbury, MN. Call us today at 651-760-7524 or contact us online to arrange an appointment. There is no charge for an initial consultation, and flexible scheduling is available.

Our Attorneys
Client testimonials
  • "Tori had a thorough understanding of my situation and made excellent recommendations to resolve my concerns. She was persistent on communication and handled everything in a very timely manner. I would definitely hire her again in the future if needed." - M.K.

  • "With Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., it is like having a family physician. They are all knowledgeable, thorough, comforting, and the only call I need to make for all my legal needs for many years to come. No matter what the matter, I totally trust their advice and commitment to me and my family." - J.N.

  • "Mary from APH Law helped me thru a difficult divorce. She and the entire staff was there for me every step of the way helping me on what to do next. They listened to what I wanted and helped me achieve what matter the most to me in the divorce settlement." - Dana C.

  • "I chose APH after my initial consultation with Mary. I felt my best interest would be represented. The entire process went excellent, the attorneys and staff communicated effectively and efficiently with me throughout the process as they needed to. Being new to the legal process and verbiage, they walked me and talked me through the next steps and the jargon, I felt completely comfortable and represented. I hope I never have to use legal services again but if I do I will call Mary at APH Law and know that I will be taken care of." - Jeff M.

  • "Divorce is a time of emotion and stress. Mary Pfeifer , My lawyer was professional and compassionate. She was very informative through the process. Her insight helped me in my decisions. She worked hard to obtain a settlement which was fair to both parties. Though, I hope I won't need her help again. It is reassuring to know a good person that is willing to help." - Rod S.

  • "I first came to Ms. Jacquelyn Lutz of Appelhof, Pfeifer and Hart in October of 2016. It was definitely the worst time in my life and she compassionately spoke with me about my options. Ms. Lutz thoroughly explained the laws, statutes, process and what to expect going forward. What was supposed to be one case, turned into three intricate cases that took a huge toll on me and my family. Ms. Lutz represented me in court on all three cases with a vast knowledge of the laws and how to proceed accordingly. During all three cases she kept me informed, calm, gave me resources to utilize, and (most important) gave me a realistic view of what may come next. Ms. Lutz knew each case required a great deal of knowledge and creative thinking on how to legally proceed forward with each case. My family and friends are forever grateful for the amazing representation by Ms. Lutz. I highly recommend Ms. Lutz for anyone needing or considering superb representation for any kind of family law. " - M.H.

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