Service 3 · Decree Modification

Your Life Changed.
Your Decree Should Too.

When circumstances shift—income, a relocation, a child's changing needs—the orders in your decree can be updated. We prepare the petition to modify custody, parent-time, child support, or alimony, reviewed and approved by a licensed Utah attorney, at a flat fee.

⚖ Utah State Bar Licensed 🛡 A DBA of Law Offices of S. Mark Barnes PLLC
$599
Flat-fee starting price
Free
Initial consultation
70%
Est. savings vs. traditional (up to)
100%
Attorney-reviewed filings

When Your Decree No Longer Fits Your Life

Utah lets you modify a decree when there's been a substantial and material change in circumstances since it was entered. Common reasons include:

💵

Income Has Changed

A job loss, a raise, or a significant change in either parent's income can justify modifying child support or alimony to reflect what's fair now.

👪

Custody Isn't Working

The current custody or parent-time schedule no longer serves your child—because of age, schools, work schedules, or a parent's circumstances.

🚚

A Relocation or Life Change

A move, a remarriage, cohabitation, or a major change in a child's needs can all be grounds to revisit the terms of your decree.


The Orders We Can Help You Change

A modification doesn't reopen your entire divorce—it targets the specific orders that no longer work. We prepare the petition and the supporting documents the court needs to consider your request.

👪

Custody & Parent-Time

Change legal or physical custody, or adjust the parent-time schedule—when it's in the child's best interest and circumstances have materially changed.

💰

Child Support

Recalculate support under Utah's guidelines when incomes, the parent-time arrangement, or a child's needs have changed since the last order.

💵

Alimony

Modify or terminate spousal support based on a substantial change in circumstances—including remarriage or cohabitation, where the law allows.

Material change required
Utah requires a substantial and material change in circumstances to modify a decree
AI + Atty on every document
AI drafts the first version; a licensed Utah attorney reviews and approves every page
100% attorney-reviewed
Every document reviewed, refined, and approved by a licensed Utah attorney

How It Works

From first contact to a filed petition in four simple steps.

1

Free Consultation

We review what's changed and assess whether your situation likely meets Utah's "substantial and material change" standard before you spend a dollar.

2

Choose Your Plan

Select the path that fits—Draft & Guide, where you file yourself, or Draft & File, where we file and represent you on the petition.

3

AI + Attorney

Our AI drafts your petition and supporting documents; our attorney reviews, refines, and approves every page.

4

File & Pursue

File your petition and move toward an updated order that reflects your life as it is today.


Modification Flat-Fee Pricing

Two flat-fee paths: we prepare the petition for you to file yourself, or we file and represent you on it. Final pricing depends on whether the modification is agreed or contested.

Tier 1
Draft & Guide
$599
We prepare your petition and supporting documents and give you step-by-step instructions to file yourself. No attorney appearance.
  • 30-minute case consultation
  • Petition to Modify
  • Supporting declaration(s)
  • Updated support worksheets (if applicable)
  • Court-specific filing instructions
  • One round of revisions & 30-day support
Get Started

Tier 2 is a flat fee covering the limited-scope appearance, filing, and one hearing on your petition. Work beyond that scope— additional hearings or contested trial work—is billed at $300/hour, disclosed up front. Court filing fees are separate and vary by county. All cases are subject to review and final pricing depends on complexity.


Modification Questions

Common questions about modifying a divorce decree in Utah.

What is a "substantial and material change in circumstances"?

+
It's the legal standard Utah courts use to decide whether a decree can be modified. The change generally must be significant, ongoing, and something that wasn't already contemplated when the original order was entered—for example, a major change in income, a relocation, or a meaningful change in a child's needs. We assess whether your situation likely meets this standard during the consultation.

Can I modify child support if my income dropped?

+
Often, yes. A significant, involuntary change in either parent's income can be grounds to recalculate child support under Utah's guidelines. Importantly, support generally changes only from the date you file—so if your income has dropped, it's usually best not to wait.

How do I change custody or the parenting schedule?

+
Modifying custody or parent-time requires showing both a material change in circumstances and that the change is in the child's best interest. Courts are cautious about disrupting a child's stability, so documentation matters. We help you build and present the petition properly.

Can alimony be modified or terminated?

+
In many cases, yes. Alimony can be modified on a substantial change in circumstances, and Utah law provides that alimony generally terminates on the recipient's remarriage or upon proof of cohabitation, subject to specific requirements. We'll review your decree's terms, since some agreements limit or waive modification.

Does the other parent have to agree?

+
No. If you both agree to the change, we can prepare a stipulated modification, which is faster and less expensive. If they don't agree, the court decides—and our higher tiers include filing, hearing preparation, and representation for a contested modification.

Start Your Free Consultation

Tell us about your situation. We'll get back to you within one business day.

Time to Update Your Decree?

If your circumstances have changed, let's find out whether a modification is the right move—before you spend money filing. Fill out the form or contact us directly. There's no obligation and the initial consultation is free.

📞
Call or Text
(435) 922-7948
📍
Service Area
All Utah counties

A DBA of Law Offices of S. Mark Barnes PLLC
Stephen Barnes • S. Mark Barnes • Utah State Bar members

By submitting you agree to our privacy policy. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.