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Child Custody And Child Support Modification Your Family is Our Priority

Columbia, MD & DC Child Custody & Child Support Modification Lawyers

Modifying child custody or child support orders in DC and Maryland can be challenging. While courts acknowledge that life circumstances can change for family members in the months and years after orders have been issued, those changes must be significant to justify modifications.

At Law Offices of Thomas Stahl, our child custody and support attorneys are a proven resource for navigating these complex legal matters. We have extensive experience advocating for families and understand the court’s standards for evaluating modification requests.

Whether you have experienced a job loss, relocation, or other major life event, we can fight to protect your relationship with your child and their well-being. Our team has 30 years of combined experience resolving family law issues and disputes. We represent parents seeking and contesting modifications through the courts. 

We offer a compassionate approach combined with trusted legal advocacy. Our attorneys are committed to providing personalized guidance and support throughout your legal journey.

Book a consultation with a Columbia, MD & DC child custody and child support modification attorney at Law Offices of Thomas Stahl. Call (443) 331-2770 or complete our online contact form.

Your Rights and Options in MD & DC Child Custody and Support Cases

Navigating child custody and support modifications can be a complex and emotionally charged process. At the Law Offices of Thomas Stahl, we understand that every family's situation is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized legal support tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through your rights and options, ensuring that you are well-informed every step of the way.

Here are some key points to consider when dealing with child custody and support modifications:

  • Understanding Custody Types: Learn about the different types of custody arrangements—legal custody, physical custody, joint custody, and sole custody—and how they may affect your situation.
  • Modification Criteria: Discover the circumstances that may warrant a modification of existing custody or support agreements, such as changes in income, relocation, or changes in the child's needs.
  • Best Interests of the Child: Understand how the court determines what is in the best interests of the child, which is the primary consideration in custody cases.
  • Mediation Options: Explore alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, which can often lead to amicable agreements without the need for lengthy court battles.
  • Legal Representation: Recognize the importance of having skilled legal representation to advocate for your rights and navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Contact our Columbia, MD & DC child custody & child support modification lawyers today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help you achieve a favorable outcome in your child custody or support modification case. Call us at (443) 331-2770 today! 

Why Are Child Custody & Support Modifications Challenging? 

As stated above, courts are reluctant to modify child-related orders once they are established. Children thrive on routine and a stable environment. Frequent changes can be disruptive and unsettling, especially for younger children, so courts aim to maintain consistency. 

Legal systems value the finality of judgments to provide certainty and predictability for all parties involved. Once a decision is made, it is generally expected to remain in place unless compelling reasons warrant a change.

 By making modifications difficult, courts encourage parents to reach comprehensive and lasting agreements initially, knowing that changes will not be easily granted. Furthermore, constantly revisiting and modifying orders can burden the court system. 

Despite these barriers, modifications can be made when necessary. Skilled legal representation is essential to creating a solid and compelling case. 

How to Modify a Child Custody Order in Columbia or DC

To modify a child custody order, you must demonstrate a material change in circumstances that significantly impacts your child’s best interests. 

Common reasons for custody modification include:

  • The need for relocation due to a job or family needs
  • Work schedule changes affecting custody or visitation
  • Remarriage (requires showing how the new spouse impacts the child’s best interests)
  • Major health issues affecting the child or parent
  • Other factors such as incarceration, abuse, or drug addiction
  • Proactive Legal Planning for Major Life Changes

    We encourage proactive legal planning during major life changes to ensure your family's rights are protected.

  • Trustworthy Advocacy
    We are committed to doing things the right way, without shortcuts. Our meticulous approach earns the trust of both our clients and the courts, ensuring that your case is presented with precision and integrity.
  • Compassionate Family Law Representation
    We provide compassionate legal advocacy, guiding you through life's toughest transitions with care and expertise.
  • Here for You Every Step of the Way

    We stand by your side throughout the entire legal process, providing trusted support from start to finish.

Modifying Child Support Orders in Columbia or DC

Like custody modifications, child support modifications require a significant change in circumstances affecting the child’s well-being.

Examples include:

  • Disability
  • Birth of a new child
  • Child’s medical needs
  • Relocation expenses
  • Substantial change in income

Child support orders remain in effect until the child reaches at least 18 years of age, regardless of modification requests.

Let Us Help You Navigate the Modification Process

The modification process involves filing a motion with the court, submitting evidence demonstrating the need for a change, and a hearing in which you and your co-parent can present your evidence and arguments. Our attorneys can assist at every process step and represent your case before the judge.

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  • “A fierce, compassionate advocate.”

    Tom is a fierce, compassionate advocate for his clients with a tremendous amount of experience. I would strongly recommend his services to anyone looking for a divorce/family attorney.

    Andrew A.
  • “I would highly recommend Tom for your divorce family case.”
    “Tom always made me feel protected and assuring that things would be ok even when it felt things were at the bottom for me. I have Tom to thank for bringing justice to my custody battle.”
    David S.
  • “I have no doubt I am in good hands.”
    “Nothing but five stars to express my gratitude for the assistance this group of lawyers had been providing me for the past two years. The staff has a strong sense of legal experience. Always professional and clearly experts at their craft.”
    Janet W.

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