Modification of Custody and Support Orders Attorneys in Buffalo
New York law firm challenges and defends existing orders
Changing financial and personal situations may necessitate revisions of existing child custody or child support orders. If you find the need for a modification, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis in Buffalo can help you through the required court process. We can also defend an existing order if the other parent is requesting a modification that you do not agree with. Our knowledgeable family law firm serves clients throughout Erie County and Western New York.
How can I modify a child custody or child support order?
To modify a child custody or child support order you will need to prove to the court that there is a material change in circumstances since the existing order was established. Examples of substantial changes include the following:
- Job loss or job gain
- Significant change in income, either an increase or decrease
- Parental relocation
- Changing needs of the child
- Parental incarceration
- Serious health issues of a parent
In the case of child support, besides a substantial change in financial situations, you may be able to seek a modification if it has been three years since the order was entered, adjusted or modified. We can help you determine whether you might qualify for a modification to child custody and/or support orders, and if you do, assist you throughout the process.
Process for modifying custody and support orders
Either parent can file a petition with the court to modify an existing order. The person petitioning must describe why they are seeking modification and provide evidence of the substantial change in circumstances. The change could be to their own circumstances, that of the other parent, or that of the child. Once the petition is filed, the filing party has to have the other parent served with the petition papers. A hearing before an Erie County family law judge or a judge from another local court, depending where the filing took place, will then be scheduled. Our attorneys will ensure that the paperwork is properly filled out, filed and served so that there are no delays in the filing process.
How our attorneys help with custody and support modifications
To convince the court to grant a modification, you must provide evidence that the change in circumstances is substantial and also convince the court that the modification is in the child’s best interests. As long-time lawyers handling child custody and support cases, we have in-depth knowledge of the factors under the law that judges use to make custody and support determinations. We will bring this experience to bear in pursuing a favorable outcome for your modification request. And if you need assistance defending an existing order, we have the needed background to do that as well.
Contact our Buffalo law firm for assistance modifying a custody or support order
The Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis skillfully handles modification requests and defenses to existing child custody and support orders for clients throughout Buffalo and the Western New York area. To speak with an attorney in a consultation call 716-886-9600 or contact us online.
As a Buffalo divorce lawyer for 28 years, I have devoted myself to solving the problems that affect families throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York. As a family law attorney, I make it my goal to create a partnership of trust with my clients. People put their trust in me to handle cases that can potentially have a long-lasting impact on not only their lives, but the lives of their family as well.
Alexandra M. Rockwood has been with the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates since early 2020. She primarily practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Alexandra is a practicing matrimonial and family law attorney as well as a trained social worker. This combination of…
Ashleigh E. Lymburner is an Associate Attorney with the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates, PLLC, and has been with the firm since August 2024. She primarily practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Her experience includes serving a Judicial Externship under Judge Sharon…
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5.0/5.0We use Mr Margulis for our estate planning and wills. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and communicates very well. We trust him with our trusts and will continue to use his services as long as we can. Thankfully we don’t need his divorce services,...
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5.0/5.0
Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Randy Margulis is knowledgable of Domestic Law, dedicated, responsive, personable, aggressive and effective. I came to him on a friend's recommendation as well as Randy's reputation, and during the initial consultation I liked his approach and track ...
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5.0/5.0
Found Mr. Margulis to be a very organized and professional individual to work with. He is well-respected by his peers and is spoken of highly, I believe this helped with my divorce and made things go smoothly. I would highly recommend his services ...
