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Last Modified on Jan 11, 2026
Changing custody or support after a divorce in Montgomery County can be a challenging process on a number of levels. Going to the Circuit Court or Chancery Court in Clarksville without specific legal knowledge can be intimidating and frustrating, while matters related to child support, alimony, or custody orders threaten to reopen old emotional wounds for you and your family.
Yet the reality is that, sometimes, court orders need to be changed in order to meet new circumstances and remain fair to the parties involved. Making the decision to hire a modifications lawyer to handle the process on your behalf can mitigate some of these challenges. With so many moving parts, the simple fact is that not every divorce saga is truly final when those court orders are handed down, and the marriage is formally severed.
Hire a Modifications Lawyer for Assistance Getting a Court Order Modified or Terminated
There are over a thousand divorces every year in Montgomery County, TN. That means a thousand different situations, and more than two thousand individual lives affected.
There are a wide range of reasons someone might want a court order related to their divorce re-examined so that it can be recalculated, or reconsidered entirely, to meet changing circumstances. Just a few straightforward examples of why someone might want to open a modification case to have an alimony, child support, or child custody order changed include:
- Changing financial circumstances. If either spouse has found themselves making significantly more or less money than they were at the time of the divorce, this may be grounds to reevaluate court-ordered payments.
- Special medical needs. If the minor child of a divorced couple suffers a serious illness or accident that requires expensive, long-term medical care, then the spouse with primary custody may need additional financial support.
- Hidden assets. If you find proof that your spouse illegally hid marital assets from the court during your divorce, you can take legal action to recover what is rightfully yours.
- Child’s wishes. Tennessee law allows for the wishes of minor children to be considered in custody matters, but typically only if the child is 12 or older. If a child who was not able to express themselves during the divorce now has strong opinions about custody arrangements, a parent may be able to launch legal action on their behalf.
- Disagreeing with court decisions. You may disagree with the decision a court hands down. With alimony, child support, and custody matters, you can use modification laws to petition the court to review your case and potentially make adjustments. You will need evidence and a sound legal strategy to demonstrate why the modification needs to be made, or you risk repeating the result of the original case.
If you are facing any of the above scenarios, or some other matter leading you to seek modification of a court order, swift and cost-effective legal help is available right here in the Nashville area. A highly qualified Montgomery County modifications attorney from Mathis, Bates & Klinghard, PLLC can help you make the legal maneuvers necessary to reopen support payment and custody matters and set things right for you and your family.
FAQs
What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?
The biggest mistake in a custody battle is going to court unprepared. You should assume that your ex will not only be prepared to tell their side of the story, but that they will have a solid legal strategy for obtaining the results they want. If you are worried about the outcome of a custody case, you need to meet this possibility with strong legal representation of your own.
Can Custody Be Changed After Divorce in Tennessee?
Yes, custody can be changed after divorce if financial circumstances or other factors change. For example, if the court sees evidence that the custodial parent is no longer fit to care for children due to a substance abuse issue, or if one parent becomes medically incapacitated, an existing custody order may need to be altered. In Tennessee, custody orders are meant to be in the best interests of the children and can be changed by a judge if circumstances warrant it.
What Qualifies as a Substantial Change in Circumstances?
Many different things can qualify as a substantial change in circumstances in court, but it depends not only on the type of case, but also on the unique circumstances of that specific case. Every family is different, and so is every family court case. If you’re unsure whether a life change qualifies you for a change in a court order or custody arrangement, consult with a lawyer.
What Should You Not Do in a Child Custody Case?
There are many things you should not do in a child custody case. A custody case should always be about the minor child’s best interests, so never try to make it about yourself or use the situation as a way to “win” some sort of emotional victory against your former spouse. Custody cases are most productive and easiest on everyone involved when everyone is on the same page and wants what’s best for the children.
Need Help Modifying a Court Order in Montgomery County? Contact Mathis, Bates & Klinghard, PLLC
If you’re trying to get a court order modified in the Montgomery County, TN, area and are having trouble making progress, powerful legal solutions are available. Contact Mathis, Bates & Klinghard, PLLC to set up a totally confidential and judgment-free consultation where we can learn more about your court order and why you need it changed. Our team is highly experienced and available to discuss your case in the evenings and on Saturdays, for your convenience.
When a court order is ruining your quality of life, or worse, endangering your children, you don’t have to accept the judge’s decision as final. The legal system provides many avenues for challenging unjust or insufficient court decisions, and when it comes to alimony, child support, and custody of minor children, re-examining cases to update court orders is a fairly routine matter. Let us help guide you through the process.
