Columbus, OH Post-Decree Lawyers

Post-Decree Matters Lawyer in Columbus

If your former spouse has violated your divorce decree, or your circumstances have changed, you need an experienced attorney for post-decree enforcement or modification. Don’t let your ex-spouse take advantage of you.

What Are Post-Decree Matters?

Post-decree matters arise when issues develop after a divorce or dissolution has been finalized. Life doesn’t stop when a judge signs a decree: jobs change, people relocate, children grow, and sometimes one party simply stops following the court’s orders.

Ohio law provides mechanisms to address these changes through either modifications (changing the terms of the original order) or enforcement actions (compelling compliance with existing orders). For example, custody modifications are governed by Ohio Revised Code Section 3109.04, while spousal support modifications fall under Ohio Revised Code Section 3105.18 Borshchak Law Group handles both types of post-decree matters in Columbus.

Don't Wait to Act

If your former spouse is violating the terms of your divorce decree, time matters. The longer violations go unaddressed, the harder they can be to remedy. Contact an attorney as soon as you recognize a problem.

Your Divorce Decree Is Legally Binding

A divorce decree is a court order. When your former spouse fails to comply with custody schedules, support payments, or property transfers, you have legal options. Our attorneys help you hold them accountable and protect your rights.

Common Post-Decree Issues

Post-decree matters can involve any aspect of your original divorce agreement. Tap each category to learn more about how we can help.

Circumstances change after divorce. If you or your former spouse has relocated, remarried, or experienced a shift in work schedule, the original custody arrangement may no longer serve your child’s best interests. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3109.04(E), Ohio courts allow modifications when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Our attorneys will help you document the changes and present a compelling case to the court.

If either parent’s income has changed significantly, whether through job loss, promotion, disability, or retirement, child support obligations can be adjusted. Ohio law permits modification when the recalculated amount differs by at least 10% from the current order. We will review your financial situation, calculate the potential new amount, and guide you through the modification process from start to finish.

A sudden loss of assets, change in employment, or remarriage of the receiving spouse can warrant a modification to spousal support. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3105.18(E), the original decree must allow for future modification for the court to consider changes. Our attorneys will review your decree’s language, assess whether your circumstances qualify, and advocate for a fair adjustment that reflects your current reality.

If your former spouse failed to transfer property as ordered, hid assets during the original proceedings, or is not complying with the division terms, you can seek enforcement or correction through the court. These disputes can involve real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. We will work to ensure you receive everything you were awarded in the original decree.
When a former spouse willfully violates a court order, such as refusing visitation, withholding support payments, or ignoring property transfer deadlines, the court can hold them in contempt. Penalties may include fines, jail time, or attorney fee awards. Our firm regularly handles contempt motions and works to hold non-compliant parties accountable.
If a custodial parent wishes to move out of state or a significant distance, they must obtain court approval. The court evaluates how the move affects the child’s relationship with the non-custodial parent and whether the move is in the child’s best interest. Whether you are the parent seeking to relocate or the parent opposing the move, we can help you navigate this sensitive process.

"Your divorce was already stressful enough. Don't let your ex-spouse take advantage of a hard-won agreement."

We help you enforce what's rightfully yours

Modification vs. Enforcement

Purpose

Modification

Changes the terms of the original court order to reflect new circumstances.

Enforcement

Compels compliance with the existing court order as written.

When to File

Modification

When a substantial change in circumstances has occurred (job loss, relocation, remarriage).

Enforcement

When your former spouse is violating or ignoring the existing court order.

Court Standard

Modification

Must prove a 'change in circumstances' that justifies altering the order.

Enforcement

Must prove the other party is willfully not complying with the order.

Possible Outcomes

Modification

Revised custody schedule, adjusted support amounts, or updated property terms.

Enforcement

Contempt findings, fines, wage garnishment, jail time, or attorney fee awards.

Protect What You Worked Hard to Achieve

You worked hard to reach a reasonable agreement during your divorce. Whether your former spouse is ignoring custody schedules, falling behind on support, or refusing to transfer property, our attorneys will fight to enforce your rights.

If your own circumstances have changed and you need to modify the original terms, we can help you build a strong case for the court. Either way, acting quickly is essential to protecting your interests and your children’s well-being.

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When can you seek to modify custody or support in a post-decree proceeding in Ohio?

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For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.

Common Questions About Post-Decree Matters

Answers to the questions we hear most often.
Post-decree matters involve any legal issues that arise after a divorce, dissolution, or custody order has been finalized. Common examples include modifications to custody, child support, or spousal support, as well as enforcement of existing court orders.
You can request a modification when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued. Examples include job loss, relocation, significant income changes, remarriage, or changes in the children’s needs.
You can file a motion for contempt of court, asking the judge to compel compliance. The court has various enforcement tools including wage garnishment, license suspension, fines, and even jail time for willful non-compliance.
If the move would significantly change the custody arrangement, you may need to file a motion to modify the custody order. Ohio courts evaluate relocation requests based on the child’s best interests, the reason for the move, and the impact on the other parent’s relationship with the child.
No. While continuity can be helpful, you are free to hire any family law attorney for post-decree matters. What matters most is finding an attorney experienced in modifications and enforcement who understands your current situation.

Life Changed? Your Court Order Can Too.

Post-decree modifications protect your rights as circumstances evolve. Call us for a free consultation.