If you have a child support or custody order from another state but no longer live there, you might wonder how to modify it. The process depends on where you and the other parent live and which court still has jurisdiction over your case.
At Jacobson Family Law, we frequently help clients navigate these situations, ensuring they follow the correct legal process to modify their court orders.
When Can You Transfer Jurisdiction?
Let’s take an example:
- A couple divorced in Washington, D.C., and received a court order regarding custody, co-parenting, and child support.
- Later, one parent moved to Maryland, and the other moved to a different state—leaving neither parent in D.C.
If Neither Parent Lives in the Original State
In this situation, you can register the original court order in your new state—for example, Montgomery County, Maryland. Once Maryland accepts jurisdiction, you can file a petition to modify custody or child support.
If One Parent Still Lives in the Original State
If one parent still resides in Washington, D.C., or the state where the order was issued, that court typically retains exclusive jurisdiction over the case. This means:
- You cannot transfer the case to a new state.
- Any modifications must be filed in the original court.
- The court will continue overseeing the case unless both parents move away.
How to Modify Your Order in Maryland
If you want to transfer your case to Maryland, here’s what you need to do:
- File the original court order in your new county’s court.
- Request Maryland to take over jurisdiction.
- Once accepted, file a petition to modify your custody or child support order.
This process ensures that Maryland courts can legally make changes to your case.
Need Help Modifying Your Out-of-State Order?
If you need to register a foreign court order in Maryland or modify your custody or child support agreement, Jacobson Family Law can help.
📞 Contact Jacobson Family Law to schedule your consultation with one of our attorneys today—call 443-741-1147 or schedule an online consultation.
Watch our video for more details!
