How to Modify Your Divorce Agreement in Riverside County
I’m Tim Blankenship with Divorce661. Life changes, and sometimes the terms of your divorce judgment need to change too. Whether it’s spousal support, child custody, or another part of your judgment, you can modify your divorce agreement in Riverside County — but how you proceed depends on whether your ex agrees to the change.
Overview: Two paths to modification
There are two common ways to modify a divorce judgment in Riverside County:
- Stipulated Modification — used when both parties agree to the new terms.
- Request for Order (RFO) — used when one party requests the court to change a term and the other party does not agree.
If you both agree: Stipulated modification (fastest, least expensive)
If you and your ex are on the same page, the easiest route is a stipulated modification. This is a written agreement that replaces or changes the relevant part(s) of your judgment. Once drafted, signed, and filed with the court, the judge will review and approve it.
- Prepare a written stipulation that clearly describes the changes.
- Both parties sign the document.
- File the stipulation with the Riverside County court for approval.
- Once approved, the modification becomes part of your court-ordered judgment.
Advantages:
- Avoids a court hearing in most cases.
- Faster and more affordable than litigating.
- Gives the parties control over the terms rather than leaving the decision to a judge.
No hearing needed — we drafted a stipulation, filed it, and had it approved within two weeks.
That example is real: a recent Riverside client who lost his job needed a lower spousal support payment. His ex cooperated, we drafted the stipulation, filed it, and the court approved the change in about two weeks.
If you don’t agree: File a Request for Order (RFO)
If the other party won’t agree, you must ask the court to modify the judgment by filing a Request for Order (RFO). This begins a formal process the court manages.
- File the RFO and any required supporting documents with the court.
- Serve the other party with the RFO and related paperwork according to court rules.
- Attend a hearing where a judge will review evidence and decide whether to grant the requested modification.
What to expect with an RFO:
- More paperwork and strict deadlines for filing and serving documents.
- Time and cost associated with preparing for a hearing.
- The judge will evaluate the request based on the law and the facts presented and can accept, deny, or modify the requested changes.
What kinds of terms can be modified?
- Spousal support (change in amount, duration, or termination conditions)
- Child support
- Custody and visitation (parenting time, decision-making authority)
- Other judgment terms (e.g., property division enforcement provisions, tax-related language)
Practical tips and timelines
- Try for agreement first. If both sides can agree, the stipulated modification is almost always the quickest and cheapest option.
- Even agreed changes must be filed. A mutual agreement should still be submitted to the court for approval so it becomes a formal court order.
- Gather documentation. For support changes, collect proof of changed income, employment status, or other facts that justify the modification.
- Timelines vary. A stipulated modification can be approved in a matter of weeks; an RFO with a contested hearing will generally take longer depending on court schedules and the complexity of the issues.
- Follow court rules. Filing, service, and evidence rules are strict — missing a deadline or failing to properly serve documents can delay or jeopardize your request.
How I can help (Divorce661)
At Divorce661, we handle both stipulated modifications and Request for Order filings in Riverside County. We will:
- Help you determine whether a stipulation or RFO is appropriate.
- Draft the necessary paperwork and ensure it meets court requirements.
- Navigate service, filing, and deadline rules to reduce the risk of delays.
- Represent your position or prepare your materials for court if a hearing is needed.
If you need to change support, custody, or another term in your divorce agreement, we’ll help you get the changes quickly, affordably, and with as little stress as possible. Schedule a free consultation at Divorce661.com to discuss your situation and next steps.
Next steps
If you’re ready to move forward:
- Decide whether you can reach an agreement with your ex (stipulation) or must ask the court (RFO).
- Collect documentation that supports the requested change.
- Contact a qualified practitioner to prepare the proper paperwork and guide you through filing and court procedures.
Modifying a divorce judgment is often straightforward when you know the process. If you’re in Riverside County and need help updating spousal support, custody, or another term, I’m here to help.
