Petition to Modify - Fontenot Law, P.C.

Petition to Modify in Layton, Utah

Court orders in family law cases are designed to provide stability—but life doesn’t stand still. A new job, a move, a change in income, or shifts in a child’s needs can all impact whether an existing court order still makes sense. If you’ve experienced a major change since your divorce, custody ruling, or support order, you may be able to request a legal update. At Fontenot Law, P.C., we help clients in Layton and throughout Davis County file and respond to petitions to modify with clarity and strength.

What Is a Petition to Modify?

A petition to modify is a formal legal request asking the court to change part of an existing family law order. These are most common in post-divorce cases but can apply to any final order that’s no longer working due to a material and substantial change in circumstances.

In Utah, you can petition to modify:

Child custody and parent-time
Child support obligations
Spousal support (alimony)
Legal custody or decision-making authority
Visitation schedules

Not every change qualifies. The court will only approve modifications when the change is significant, ongoing, and directly related to the original terms of the order.

Common Reasons for Modifying a Family Court Order

We help Layton residents request or respond to modifications based on real-life changes, including:

A parent relocating or moving long distance
Changes in a parent’s income or employment
A child developing new medical, emotional, or educational needs
One parent withholding parent-time or failing to follow the existing schedule
Remarriage or blended family dynamics that affect parenting
Health concerns or disabilities that impact care
New concerns about a child’s safety, including substance abuse or domestic violence

These situations often come with uncertainty, stress, and urgency. At Fontenot Law, P.C., we help our clients navigate each step with a focus on long-term solutions.

Child Custody Modifications in Layton

Custody is often the most emotionally charged part of any family law matter. If your current custody arrangement no longer works—or if your child is struggling under the existing plan—you may be able to seek a change.

Under Utah law, you must show both a substantial change in circumstances and that the new arrangement would be in the best interest of the child.

You can ask to change:

Physical custody (where the child lives)
Legal custody (who makes major decisions)
Parent-time schedules

Some custody changes are agreed upon by both parents. Others require court involvement, mediation, or a formal hearing. If you’re in Layton and need to adjust custody, our firm can guide you through the process and help you protect your child’s wellbeing.

Child Support and Alimony Modifications

A shift in finances—whether expected or not—can affect how fair and realistic a support order is. In Utah, child support may be modified if:

It’s been at least three years since the last order
There’s a 10% or greater change in the support amount
The change is not temporary

Changes in income, parenting time, or a child’s medical needs are common reasons for review. We help parents in Layton petition for increases, decreases, or enforcement of child support orders.

Spousal support (alimony) may also be modified based on life changes such as job loss, health issues, or cohabitation by the receiving spouse. Whether you’re seeking support or facing a request to pay less, we’ll help you present the facts clearly and persuasively.

What If You’ve Been Served With a Petition to Modify?

If you’ve received notice of a petition to modify, you have a right to respond—but you must act quickly. Whether you agree with the request or not, ignoring the petition won’t stop it.

We work with clients across Layton to prepare effective responses, challenge unsupported claims, and negotiate realistic outcomes that protect their interests.

Why Work With Fontenot Law, P.C.?

Modifying a court order takes more than just filling out paperwork. It requires evidence, legal understanding, and strategic thinking. At Fontenot Law, P.C., we’ve earned the trust of clients throughout Layton and Davis County by offering clear advice, compassionate support, and powerful advocacy.

Whether you’re hoping to update a custody plan or responding to a proposed change in support, we’re here to help you make smart, confident decisions that work now—and later.

Talk to a Layton Family Law Attorney Today

If your life has changed and your court order no longer reflects your situation, it may be time to take action. At Fontenot Law, P.C., we’re ready to help you understand your rights and fight for a fair outcome.

Call us at (801) 448-0156 to schedule a confidential consultation with a family law attorney serving Layton, Utah.