Your Life Changed.
So Can Your Divorce Judgment.
California family law courts have provisions for modifying divorce judgments. At Haslam Perri Law Firm, we have been helping families in San Bernardino County modify the terms of their divorce agreements since 2003 — with a reputation for integrity and fairness among family court judges throughout the Inland Empire.
Post-Judgment Modifications — Ontario CA
When Life Changes, Your Court Orders Can Too
California family law recognizes that financial and personal circumstances change in the years following a divorce. If your situation has changed and you can no longer meet the terms of your original divorce agreement — or if changed circumstances entitle you to more — you may be able to modify the terms of your judgment.
Haslam Perri Law Firm has been helping people modify the terms of their divorce agreements since Donald Glen Haslam and our senior partners opened our doors in Ontario, California, in 2003. Our firm has earned a reputation among family court judges and opposing lawyers for our commitment to integrity and fairness in every modification case.
We will clearly explain the law and discuss what can — and cannot — generally be modified by the courts. Although a court hearing is generally required to resolve modification cases, we are often able to help you find common sense solutions without the need for costly litigation.
- ✓Reputation for integrity with San Bernardino County judges
- ✓Common sense solutions that avoid unnecessary litigation
- ✓Board-certified family law specialists since 2003
- ✓All modification types handled — custody, support, visitation
- ✓Free initial consultation — call 909-321-2223
Orders We Can Modify
- ✓Child Custody and Visitation
- ✓Child Support
- ✓Spousal Support and Alimony
- ✓Move Away and Relocation
- ✓Grandparents Rights
- ✓Domestic Relations Agreements
What Can Be Modified
Which Court Orders Can California Courts Modify?
Not every aspect of a divorce judgment can be changed. Understanding what courts will and will not modify — and what evidence is required — is critical before filing any modification request.
Common Reasons for Modification
Has Your Situation Changed? You May Qualify for a Modification.
California courts require a material change in circumstances to grant most modifications. Here are the most common situations our clients bring to us — and how we build a compelling case for each one.
Client Testimonials
What Our Modification Clients Say
"I lost my job and could not afford my original support payments. Donald Haslam acted quickly and got my child support reduced to a fair amount based on my new income. Professional and compassionate throughout."
"My ex's income had increased significantly but he was still paying minimal support. Haslam Perri modified the order and my children now receive what they truly deserve."
"When my custody arrangement needed updating after my ex relocated, Haslam Perri found a common sense solution that avoided costly litigation. Efficient, fair, and professional."
Frequently Asked Questions
Divorce Modifications — Questions Answered
Clear answers to the most common modification questions in San Bernardino County. Call us for advice specific to your situation.
A material change in circumstances is the legal threshold required to modify most divorce orders in California. Courts will not grant modifications simply because one party is unhappy with the original order. The change must be significant, genuine, and unforeseen at the time of the original judgment. Examples include a substantial income change, job loss, remarriage, relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or a change in the child’s relationship with either parent. At Haslam Perri Law Firm, our attorneys assess whether your situation meets this threshold before filing.
Yes. Child custody and visitation orders can be modified when there has been a material change in circumstances since the original order was made. Common reasons include a parent’s relocation, a significant change in work schedules, the child spending substantially more time with the non-custodial parent, changes in the child’s educational or medical needs, or concerns about the child’s safety. Our attorneys handle custody modifications throughout San Bernardino County.
Yes, in most cases. Spousal support can be modified or terminated if there has been a significant change in the financial circumstances of either spouse — such as a job loss, substantial income increase or decrease, remarriage of the supported spouse, or cohabitation with a new partner. Support can also be modified if additional information comes to light about a spouse’s financial holdings or hidden income. Permanent support orders may be more difficult to modify depending on the length of the marriage.
To modify a child support order, you must file a Request for Order with San Bernardino Superior Court and demonstrate a material change in circumstances. Changes in either parent’s income, a change in custody time, or a significant change in the child’s needs can all support a modification request. Once filed, the court will schedule a hearing and may issue a temporary modified order in the meantime. Our attorneys prepare accurate Dissomaster calculations and present compelling evidence to support your modification request.
Generally no. Marital property divisions are considered final once a divorce judgment is entered. Courts will only reopen property settlements under extraordinary circumstances — such as fraud, mistake, duress, or newly discovered evidence that was deliberately concealed. If you believe your original property settlement was unfair due to hidden assets or misrepresentation, contact us to discuss your options.
The timeline depends on whether the modification is contested or agreed upon. If both parties agree, a stipulated modification can be processed relatively quickly — sometimes within weeks. If the other party contests the modification, a court hearing will be required, which can take several months. In urgent situations — such as a change affecting a child’s immediate safety — emergency temporary orders can be obtained much faster. Our attorneys work efficiently to resolve modification cases with minimal disruption to your life.
Discuss Your Modification Case — Free Consultation
Contact us to discuss your settlement modification issue. We will clearly explain the law, tell you what can and cannot be modified, and find the most efficient path forward for your situation.