When and How to Make a Divorce Modification in Massachusetts
A Guide to Changing Your Divorce Agreement When Life Changes
Picture this: You and your former partner divorced when your kids were young. Over time, you’ve built a solid co-parenting rhythm, and things have been running smoothly. But now, college is on the horizon. And while you’ve been splitting expenses without issue, figuring out how to handle tuition and college-related costs is getting complicated.
Or maybe life has taken a turn: one parent moves farther away, someone changes jobs or loses employment. Suddenly, the terms you agreed to at the time of divorce no longer fit your reality.
Life changes— and your divorce agreement might need to as well. Whether you’re anticipating new financial obligations or navigating shifting circumstances, it may be time to revisit your existing order and explore a modification. If you need a divorce modification in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, we’re here to help guide you through it.
Divorce Modification in Massachusetts: What Can Be Changed?
College Expenses
Massachusetts is one of the few states where courts can order divorced or unmarried parents to contribute to college costs. College decisions depend on future factors— like school choice, academic performance, and financial resources. Because of this, they’re often not fully addressed in divorce agreements and may require a modification later. Contributions can also impact child support, making this a complex issue that often needs legal guidance. You can read more about the state’s guidelines here.
Parenting Schedule
Circumstances can change after divorce. One parent may improve their situation and request more time, or a remarriage may prompt a proposed move affecting school enrollment. If co-parents can’t agree on new arrangements, a modification of the parenting schedule may be necessary to reflect what’s in the child’s best interest. Here are some common co-parenting schedules that we see in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Support Payments
Child support or alimony may be modified when there’s a change in circumstances. Common shifts we see include as a shift in income, job loss, disability, or changes to the parenting schedule. In Massachusetts, child support is also commonly recalculated when a child turns 18. Child support may also continue until age 23 if they’re enrolled in college.
Moving Out of State
These cases can be particularly challenging and are fact-driven including consideration of what the existing parenting schedule is, where the proposed move is, the effect a move would have on the non-moving parent’s parenting time, and more. Relocation cases typically include the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem to conduct an investigation and make recommendations to the court on what is in a child’s best interest.
If you’re considering modifying your Judgment, whether or not we handled your original case, we’d be happy to connect and see if we’re the right fit for your needs.
Need Help with a Divorce Modification in Massachusetts or Rhode Island? At Foundations Family Law, we help clients navigate these changes with compassion. Schedule a free discovery call today to discuss your situation and explore your options.