Modification of measures
Life changes, and what you signed may stop working. We help you adapt the measures to your current situation.
What it involves
A modification of measures (modificación de medidas) is the procedure for changing what was set in a divorce or separation judgment, or in a divorce agreement (convenio regulador): custody, visiting arrangements, child support or use of the family home. You can apply for it when the family's situation has changed significantly since then.
Is this your case?
- Your income has fallen sharply and you can no longer pay the maintenance that was set.
- Your child has grown up, spends more time with you and you want to apply for joint custody.
- The other parent has moved far away and the visiting schedule no longer makes sense.
- Your children's expenses have increased and the maintenance you receive is no longer enough.
How we help
We analyse what has changed and whether that change carries enough weight to apply for the modification. We gather the evidence, such as payslips, contracts or school reports, and first try to reach an agreement with your ex-partner, which can be approved by the court. If there is none, we file the claim and defend your proposal. We explain what you can expect at each step. We can help you in Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight, French and English, at our offices in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Málaga and Barcelona or online, wherever you are in Spain.
If the change mainly affects the children, also see our page on child custody or on child support.
Frequently asked questions
- When can the measures of a divorce be changed?
- When circumstances have changed significantly and lastingly since they were set: a change of job, income or address, or in the children's needs. A small or temporary change is not usually enough.
- Can I stop paying maintenance if I have lost my job?
- No. Until the court changes it, maintenance is still compulsory and the debt keeps building up. The right thing to do is to apply for a modification of measures as soon as possible and keep proof of your new situation.
- I am moving to another city for work. What happens to the visiting arrangements?
- If the move makes it impossible to keep to the current arrangements, they should be adapted, either by agreement or through the court. We help you propose a new schedule that works for you and for your children.
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Tell us about your case.
A first conversation — confidential and without obligation — to understand whether we can help, and how.
We speak Spanish, Arabic, Tamazight (Berber), French and English.