You’ve reached an agreement through mediation (maybe about custody, support, or how to split assets) and it’s been working… until it’s not. Life changes, and so do needs. So, what happens if your original agreement no longer makes sense?
A common question we hear is: “Can you change an agreement after mediation?” The short answer is: YES! But it depends on how far along you are in the legal process and what kind of agreement you reached.
Let’s walk through the key things to know.
If the Agreement Hasn’t Been Finalized by the Court
If you’ve completed mediation but haven’t submitted the agreement to the court, then changes are typically easier. You and your co-parent or ex-spouse can revisit the terms, renegotiate, and amend the agreement before filing it.
This is often the case if:
- You’re still reviewing your Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)
If you haven’t signed or submitted your MSA yet, changes can usually be made easily, especially through mediation, where both parties can revisit terms together. - New information came up before finalizing
Whether it’s a financial detail or a personal development, new information can shift what feels fair. Mediation allows space to adjust agreements before anything is finalized. - One or both parties had a change of heart before submitting paperwork
It’s common to reconsider terms before filing. Mediation provides a flexible path to re-negotiate respectfully, without starting over or going to court.
At West Coast Family Mediation, we frequently help clients fine-tune agreements before they become legally binding, especially if something just doesn’t feel quite right yet.
If the Agreement Has Already Been Filed and Approved
If the court has already approved your mediation agreement, you’ll need to go through a formal modification process to make changes. This is especially relevant for agreements involving:
- Child custody and parenting plans
As children’s needs or schedules change, custody agreements may need updating. Mediation helps parents adapt plans in a way that works for everyone involved. - Child support or spousal support
Changes in income or expenses can affect what’s fair and manageable. Mediation supports fair modifications that reflect your current reality. - Division of assets or debt
Whether something was overlooked or circumstances have changed, mediation allows couples to revisit how assets or debts are divided, without court battles.
The good news? If both parties agree to the changes, the process can still be collaborative and relatively straightforward. You can use post-judgment mediation to create a new agreement and submit it to the court for approval.
If one party disagrees, however, the process becomes more like a traditional legal motion, and you may need to demonstrate a material change in circumstances (e.g., job loss, relocation, health issue, etc.) to justify the change.
How We Help Clients Navigate Changes After Mediation
Life rarely goes exactly as planned. That’s why at West Coast Family Mediation, we offer ongoing support for clients who need to revisit agreements, whether it’s weeks, months, or even years after their divorce or custody case was finalized.
We help with:
- Re-negotiating parenting time or support terms
- Drafting updated agreements
- Filing proper modification paperwork
- Mediation between parties to resolve new issues amicably
Why Mediation Still Matters, Even After the Divorce
One of the most overlooked benefits of mediation is that it creates a foundation for future collaboration. When you mediate instead of litigate, you’re more likely to return to the table to address future changes, without the emotional and financial cost of court battles.
So even if you didn’t get everything right the first time, you can come back, talk things through, and update the agreement in a way that works for everyone.
Need to Make a Change? Let’s Talk.
If you’re wondering whether you can change an agreement after mediation, the answer is yes! But how you do it depends on your unique situation.
We’re here to walk you through your options, whether you just need a small tweak or a major modification.
Schedule a FREE consultation today here and see if post-mediation support or modification makes sense for you.