Modification of Family Law Orders in Central and Southern Maine
Life Changes. Your Court Orders Can Too.
A divorce decree or custody order reflects your circumstances at a specific point in time — but life doesn’t stay still. Jobs change. People relocate. Children grow. Financial situations shift. When the circumstances that shaped your original family law order change significantly, Maine law allows you to go back to court and ask for a modification.
At Dirigo Divorce, we help individuals throughout Central and Southern Maine seek modifications to custody, support, and other family law orders — as well as defend against modification requests that aren’t in their best interest.
What Can Be Modified?
Custody and Parenting Plans
Changes to primary residency arrangements or parental rights and responsibilities can be requested when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Common reasons include:
- A parent relocating to a different city or state
- A significant change in a parent’s work schedule or living situation
- Concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing in the current arrangement
- A child’s changing needs as they grow older
- One parent not following the existing parenting plan
Maine courts will always evaluate modification requests based on the best interests of the child — the same standard used when the original order was established.
Child Support
Child support orders can be modified when there has been a substantial change in either parent’s financial circumstances, or when at least three years have passed since the last order was entered. Common reasons to seek a modification include:
- A significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income
- Job loss or a change in employment
- Changes in the child’s needs or expenses
- Changes in the amount of time the child spends with each parent
Spousal Support (Alimony)
If your divorce decree includes a spousal support order, it may be modifiable if there has been a substantial change in circumstances — such as a significant change in either party’s income, remarriage of the recipient spouse, or other major life changes.
What You Need to Show the Court
To modify a family law order in Maine, you generally need to demonstrate:
- A substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the original order was entered
- The proposed modification is in the best interest of the child (for custody and support matters)
Not every change qualifies. A temporary dip in income or a minor disagreement over the parenting schedule is unlikely to meet the threshold. Attorney Jason M. Rice will give you an honest assessment of whether your situation warrants a modification request before you invest time and money in the process.
Defending Against a Modification Request
If your co-parent or former spouse has filed to modify an existing order, you have the right to respond and present your case. Dirigo Divorce will help you understand what the other party is claiming, evaluate the strength of their argument, and advocate effectively for an outcome that protects your interests and your relationship with your children.
Serving Central and Southern Maine
Dirigo Divorce handles family law modification matters throughout Central and Southern Maine and Androscoggin, Cumberland County, and York County, including Auburn, Lewiston, Portland, Biddeford, Saco, Sanford, the Berwicks, Kittery, York, and surrounding areas.
Talk to Dirigo Divorce About Your Situation
Whether you need to modify an existing order or defend against one, the right guidance makes a real difference. Contact Dirigo Divorce today to discuss your circumstances and find out what your options are.
Call us or request and appointment using the “Request Appointment” button.