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Modification of Orders

Helping You Create Your Next Chapter

Areas of Family Law

Minnesota Order Modification Lawyers

Ensuring Your Court Orders Reflect Your Current Needs

Family law judgments, such as child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance orders, can become outdated as life changes. If your current order no longer reflects your situation or that of your family, you may need to seek a modification. At Johnson/Turner, we’re dedicated to guiding you through the modification process, helping you update court orders to ensure they are accurate and fair.

With our team-based approach, you’ll have the support of an experienced attorney, a senior paralegal, a client engagement specialist, and a life coach, giving you the comprehensive assistance you deserve. We serve clients across Minnesota with fully-staffed offices in Forest Lake, Blaine, Lake Elmo, Rochester, Wayzata, and Woodbury, and teams working remotely across the state, making it easy for you to access our services no matter where you’re located.

When Should You Consider an Order Modification?

Life is constantly changing, and family law orders, such as those for child support, custody, or spousal maintenance, don’t always reflect the current needs of your family. A modification may be necessary if a significant change in circumstances has occurred, impacting the practicality or fairness of the original order. Common reasons to seek a modification include:

- Changes in Financial Situation: Major shifts in income, such as job loss, a new job with higher pay, or a reduction in work hours, can affect a parent’s ability to meet child support or spousal maintenance obligations. Courts recognize that both increases and decreases in income may warrant an order adjustment.
- New Child-Related Expenses: If a child develops a medical condition, requires additional educational support, or incurs other unforeseen expenses, a modification order can help ensure that financial responsibility is shared fairly. Increased costs in raising a child often require updated arrangements to reflect the child’s needs and best interests.
- Changes in Dependents: When a parent has additional children, either biological or through adoption, it may impact their financial resources and obligations. Courts may adjust child support orders to account for the new dependents, ensuring that all children receive adequate support.
- Safety or Health Concerns: If there are changes in the health or safety of the child or either parent, it can influence custody or parenting time arrangements. For instance, if a parent faces a serious medical issue, the court may adjust the custody order to provide the child with a stable environment. Likewise, if a parent’s home situation is no longer safe, a custody modification may be necessary to protect the child.

If you believe your current order no longer reflects your family’s needs or circumstances, Johnson/Turner can help you evaluate your options and pursue the most beneficial course of action. Our experienced team will guide you through each step, ensuring you have the support and advocacy needed to achieve a fair and updated arrangement that aligns with your family’s best interests.

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Why Choose Johnson/turner

Meeting Your Legal Needs

Our team breaks the modification process into four clear phases, providing guidance and advocacy at every step. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Case Strategy Phase

The foundation of any successful modification request starts with a well-defined strategy. During this phase, we’ll:

Consult with You: In our initial meeting, we’ll discuss your case, listen to your concerns, and outline how we can support you.
Build Your Team: We assign a team of professionals, including attorneys and paralegals, to ensure you receive comprehensive support throughout your case.
Develop a Case Strategy: Based on our understanding of your situation, we’ll design a personalized strategy that aligns with your goals and maximizes your chances of success.

2. Mediation Phase

Whenever possible, we seek to resolve modifications outside of court to save you time, stress, and money. Mediation provides a collaborative environment to reach an agreement. During this phase, we:

Select a Mediator: We’ll help identify a mediator suitable for your case and schedule sessions.
Prepare for Mediation: Our team gathers evidence and prepares a mediation statement to support your position.
Attend Mediation: We’ll be by your side throughout the process, helping you negotiate and formalize agreements with the other party.

3. Court Phase

If mediation doesn’t result in an agreement, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court. In this phase, we:

Gather Comprehensive Evidence: We collect all necessary documents, witness testimonies, and expert opinions.
File Legal Documents: From motions to affidavits, we handle all court filings and ensure they meet legal standards.
Represent You at the Hearing: Our attorneys advocate for your position in court, presenting your case clearly and effectively to the judge.

4. Final Settlement Phase

The final phase involves formalizing and finalizing your modified court order. Here’s what we do:

Draft the New Agreement: We prepare the stipulations and new order based on the court’s decision or mediation outcome.
Secure Required Signatures: We work with the opposing party and their attorney to obtain signatures for the modified order.
File the Order: Once signed, we file the new agreement with the court, making it legally binding and ensuring your current needs are met.

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Life Coaching Services

Your legal well-being is our first concern, but we also want to help you create your own story. Matt Tuttle, our resident Life Coach, is here to help you navigate this difficult transition in your life by building on your strengths and abilities. As a client, you receive Matt’s Life Coaching service at no additional charge throughout the duration of your modification of orders case.