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Modifications and Enforcement

Syracuse Modification Attorney

Child Custody, Visitation, Spousal Support and Child Support Modifications and Enforcement in New York

Family circumstances do change over time. When parents experience changes in income or financial responsibilities, orders put into place at the time of their divorce or other family law action may no longer be appropriate — or may be violated. In such cases, parents can petition the family court to modify their orders, initiate enforcement actions or both.

At the Darwish Law Offices, P.C., in Syracuse, we represent Central New York families who are seeking assistance with child custody, visitation, spousal support and child support modifications, enforcement or defense in enforcement actions.

Clients of our office work directly with compassionate and practical family law attorney Diane E. Darwish. We invite you to contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with Syracuse modification lawyer Darwish.

Child Custody, Visitation, Alimony and Child Support Modifications

Court orders dictating child custody, visitation, child support and spousal support (alimony) are not set in stone. New York's family laws provide the opportunity to seek modifications to child support, spousal support, child custody and visitation orders when there has been a substantial change in circumstances:

  • Child support modifications, when a new calculation under child support guidelines would result in a change due to change in parental income or a child’s needs
  • Changes to child custody orders when one parent is demonstrably unfit or, in limited cases, when an older child wishes to live with the other parent
  • Modifying an order of custody or support when a claim of parental alienation can be substantiated
  • Modifications to visitation arrangements, when the change is in the best interest of the child, such as in cases of child relocation

Child Support and Spousal Support Enforcement Actions

Whether you are not receiving your support as ordered or you have fallen into arrears, the Darwish Law Offices, P.C., can help. We represent people on both sides of these enforcement actions with the goal of finding a workable, long-term resolution to the problem. We also seek to find solutions that will be accepted under the new standard for reviewing and modifying child support awards that judges will use, due to recent changes in child support and modification legislation.

We are aggressive in our advocacy for those seeking enforcement and can offer real solutions — including modifications to orders and payment plans for back child support or spousal support — for those who have been unable to meet their obligations.

Child Custody and Visitation Enforcement Actions · Parental Alienation Syndrome

In our experience, conflicts over child custody and visitation orders are the most common reason for enforcement actions. Complaints range from relatively minor violations of orders to active attempts at parental alienation. The Darwish Law Offices, P.C., is committed to resolving these conflicts in the best interest of the children involved.

Parental alienation syndrome occurs when one parent takes affirmative action to destroy a child's relationship with the other parent. Although parental alienation syndrome is only recently gaining recognition in the Onondaga County family courts, the Darwish Law Offices, P.C., has litigated several cases.

When parents have a sufficiently civil relationship, we may be able to guide a renegotiation of the child custody or visitation agreement without the need of a full and formal court action. However, when litigation is necessary for child custody enforcement, particularly in cases involving parental alienation, we are serious, aggressive advocates in court.

Contact the Darwish Law Offices for Strategic Legal Advice From a Trusted Onondaga County Enforcement Attorney

Find out if the Darwish Law Offices, P.C., is the right law firm for you. To make an appointment for a free consultation with a Syracuse modification lawyer, call 315-254-2226, toll free 888-313-7045 or contact us online.