Is Filing for a Post-Judgment Modification Worth Your Time, Stress or Money?
April 20, 2022
It’s rare to find divorced couples jumping at the opportunity to head back to court. It’s time-consuming, stressful, and (depending on multiple different factors) can be expensive. So why put yourself through that again?
While the idea of going back to court after divorce is daunting, a properly handled post-judgment enforcement/modification can secure your financial future and your children’s stability. If you are asking, Do I need to file contempt?, or if a former spouse is ignoring their obligations, a contested action may be your only remedy.
What is a Post-Judgment Modification & When Should You Pursue One
A post-judgment modification is any change to an existing court order. Modifications are frequently related to spousal support, child support or parenting plan modifications, but they can be related to any change to the existing court order or agreement.
When considering your own situation, it’s important to weigh your current circumstances with what a potential modification could do.
While not all post-judgment modification requests in Florida will be granted, it can be helpful to ask yourself if doing nothing really is your best option. At the Vasquez de Lara Law Group, we’re here to help counsel you on the best course of action for your situation, but there are often very good reasons to pursue a post-judgment modification, especially in situations such as:
● When one parent decides to relocate, especially out of town or out of state
● If your former spouse gets remarried or begins to cohabitate with another person
● If your or your ex’s employment changes
● If your child’s needs change
● If there are concerns of abuse or crime-related activities
To modify a child custody arrangement, you must prove a material and unanticipated change in circumstances. In 2026, Florida courts increasingly recognize that as children grow, the original time-sharing schedule may no longer serve their best interests. The modification must also remain in the best interests of the children.
We recognize that going back to court is difficult for many reasons, but our team of Florida family law attorneys is here to help you every step of the way. Post-judgment modifications or post-judgment enforcements may be the only way for you to ensure that your and your children’s rights are upheld.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team at the Vasquez de Lara Law Group today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Vanessa Vasquez de Lara is a Miami divorce lawyer, author, and legal commentator with more than 20 years of experience helping families navigate divorce, child custody disputes, and complex family law matters throughout Florida. She is the founder and managing partner of Vasquez de Lara Law Group, one of the largest family-law-only firms serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with a team of attorneys dedicated exclusively to divorce and family law.
A graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Vanessa has been recognized for her professional excellence by being named to the Super Lawyers list every year since 2016. She is also the author of the bestselling book “The Florida Man’s Guide to Getting Divorced” which provides practical insight into the legal, financial, and personal realities of divorce in Florida.
Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Vanessa is frequently invited to provide legal commentary on family law issues in national media, including appearances on NBC and Univision’s Despierta América.
Beyond her legal work, Vanessa is the founder of the Ricky Supreme Scholars Foundation, created in honor of her brother who lost his life to gun violence. Through the foundation, she provides scholarships to high school students to help them pursue higher education and build brighter futures.