Post Decree Disputes
Even after final orders are entered, disputes can arise over how the terms of the judgment or agreements are carried out. Changes in income, relocation, modification of parenting time, disagreements about support, and enforcement issues are common sources of conflict long after the decree is signed.
Modifying orders
Life changes, and sometimes legal orders need to change with them. If a significant shift in circumstances occurs, such as a job loss, a substantial change in income, or a parent seeking to relocate with a child, either party can ask the court to revisit and adjust existing orders. In Colorado, modifications must typically show a substantial and continuing change that affects the original terms of child support or parenting time.
Issues frequently arise over how additional child-related expenses are shared, or whether support calculations should be adjusted. Whether the disagreement involves health care costs, educational or extracurricular expenses, or a change in financial circumstances, these disputes can be emotionally and financially taxing without clear legal guidance.
Enforcing Court orders
When one party fails to comply with the terms of a court order, such as missing support payments, refusing to follow a parenting time schedule, or ignoring other obligations, the other party can seek enforcement through the court. Remedies may include contempt proceedings, wage withholding orders, or other enforcement tools designed to hold the non-complying party accountable.
Whether you need to enforce court orders, or defend yourself against a contempt proceeding, we are here to support you.
Decision-making
Decision-making may be modified, either by agreement of the parties or by a new order of the court. As with major parenting time changes, a request to modify decision-making can only be filed once every two years. If the parents cannot agree on modification of decision-making, the parent that is requesting the modification has the burden of proving a change in the circumstances of the child or party who has decision-making and it serves the best interest of the child.
In determining if a modification should occur, we would look to the current order and if it is working or if it has been outgrown by your children. If one party is making the majority of the decisions and the other is blindly following, it may be time to modify decision-making.
focused advocacy for ongoing challenges
Post-decree conflicts can be just as complex as issues in the original case. We help clients assess their options, evaluate whether a modification or enforcement action is appropriate, and develop effective strategies for resolving disputes — whether through negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, or, when necessary, litigation. Our goal is to protect your rights and ensure compliance with the terms of your judgment so you can move forward with confidence.
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