Question:
I am fully responsible for transportation expenses to pick up and drop off my children for my scheduled parenting time. I live far away so the significant increase in gas prices is financially hurting me.
Is the increase in gas prices cause to ask for a modification that would hold my ex-wife partially accountable for transportation costs?
Answer:
I am not licensed to practice law your state. However, I can give you a general answer that may be helpful to you.
In Missouri, where I practice, the court can modify the provisions of a custody decree only if there are facts that have arisen since the prior decree, or facts that were unknown to the court at the time of the prior decree, that a change of circumstances exists and that a modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child.
In your case, an increase in gas prices could be grounds to modify your custody decree. However, I would point out that, at the time of the decree, the judge thought that you were in a better financial position than your ex-wife to bear the cost and expenses of transportation for the visitations.
Cordell & Cordell has men’s divorce lawyers located nationwide. I urge you to contact one as I do not know all the details of your case and thus cannot provide you with specific legal advice.
To schedule an appointment with a Cordell & Cordell attorney, including William F. Backer, an Associate Attorney in the Arnold, Missouri office, contact Cordell & Cordell.
