How to Modify Your Divorce Agreement in Contra Costa County

Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship of Divorce661. If your divorce judgment in Contra Costa County has already been finalized but your circumstances have changed, you can often update parts of the agreement. In this article I’ll walk you through what’s modifiable, how to do it the easy way when both parties agree, and what to expect if you have to go back to court.

What parts of a divorce judgment can be modified?

In California, some orders in a final judgment are considered modifiable—meaning the court can change them later if there’s a significant change in circumstances. The most commonly modified orders are:

• Child support
• Spousal (alimony) support
• Custody and parenting time

Changes that often justify a modification include job loss, a substantial change in income, relocation, or changes in a child’s needs.

When you can modify the agreement without a hearing: stipulation to modify

If both parties agree to a change, the quickest and simplest route is a stipulation to modify the judgment. This is basically a written agreement signed by both parties and submitted to the court.

Why a stipulation is the best option

• No hearing required
• Fast—courts often approve agreed modifications quickly
• Less expensive and less stressful than contested litigation
• Gives both parties control of the outcome

How to file a stipulation

• Draft the stipulation that clearly states what terms are changing and the effective date.
• Both parties sign the stipulation.
• File the stipulation with the Contra Costa County family court.
• Once the judge approves it, the stipulation becomes an enforceable court order.

This process avoids a hearing and is the fastest path to an updated, enforceable order.

When you need a hearing: Request for Order (RFO)

If you and your ex can’t agree, you’ll need to ask the court to modify the order by filing a Request for Order (RFO). That starts a formal process that includes an evidentiary hearing.

What to expect with a Request for Order

• File the RFO with the court and serve the other party.
• Provide supporting documentation showing the change in circumstances (pay stubs, termination notices, declarations, etc.).
• Attend the hearing and present your case. The other party will have the opportunity to respond.
• The judge makes a decision and issues an updated order if warranted.

When the matter is contested it helps to work with an attorney or mediator. They can help organize evidence, craft persuasive declarations, and present a clear request to the judge.

Real client example

We recently helped a client in Contra Costa County who lost a significant portion of his income and needed a lower spousal support payment. Because he and his ex were on good terms, we drafted a stipulation reflecting the reduced payment and had both parties sign it. We filed it with the court and the judge approved the stipulation within a week—no hearing required. The client saved time, money, and stress.

How Divorce661 can help

At Divorce661 we focus on making post-divorce modifications straightforward. Whether you’re adjusting child support, spousal support, or parenting terms, we handle the paperwork, court filings, and procedural steps so your changes are accepted quickly and correctly.

• Flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs
• We draft, file, and process the stipulation or RFO for you
• 100% remote—fast and court-compliant
• We assist with both agreed and contested modifications

Step-by-step checklist to modify your divorce agreement in Contra Costa County

1. Identify which part of the judgment you want to modify (support, custody, etc.).
2. Gather documentation showing the change in circumstances (income records, relocation details, medical or school records for child-related changes).
3. Talk to the other party—if they agree, prepare a stipulation to modify and have both parties sign it.
4. If the other party disagrees, file a Request for Order and prepare evidence for a hearing.
5. File the paperwork with Contra Costa County family court and serve the other party according to court rules.
6. Attend any required hearings or submit the stipulation to the court for approval.
7. Once approved, obtain a copy of the new court order and follow the updated terms.

Common questions and practical tips

• How long will it take? Agreed stipulations can be approved quickly—often within days to weeks. Contested matters take longer because they require scheduling a hearing.
• Should I get an attorney? For contested modifications or complex financial issues, consulting an attorney or mediator is recommended. For straightforward agreed changes, document preparation and filing are often sufficient.
• What if circumstances change again? You can request further modifications if new, material changes occur. Courts evaluate each request based on the current facts.
• Is the new order enforceable? Yes—once the court approves a stipulation or issues an order after a hearing, it becomes an enforceable court order.

Ready to update your divorce agreement?

If you need to modify a divorce order in Contra Costa County and want a stress-free path forward, visit Divorce661.com and schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you choose the fastest, most cost-effective approach—whether that’s an agreed stipulation or a Request for Order—and handle the paperwork so you can move forward.

— Tim Blankenship, Divorce661