You can seek an alimony modification if you have a substantial change in your ability to pay alimony or there’s a change in your ex-spouse’s need for assistance. The court requires you to show a substantial and continuing change to your circumstances. The fact that you didn’t like the original divorce terms is not grounds for a modification. Courts don’t typically revisit the division of property or debt, however, courts will consider child support and alimony modifications.
Substantial changes that may warrant modifications include:
Health problems
Unemployment
Significant raise
Retirement
Lottery winnings
At your hearing, your attorney argues for the changes you want and presents evidence of those changes to the court. For example, maybe your employer reduces salaries companywide, thus reducing your ability to pay alimony or child support. Or maybe you suffered an injury and cannot work. Maybe there is a health issue with you or one of the children in your care.
If the judge agrees with your reasons and signs the modification, it becomes a court order and binds both parties.
Remember, your original divorce settlement is not “for life.” At Carl T. Boake, P.A., we are committed to serving your best interests during and after your divorce. For more than three decades, we have counseled thousands of clients in the St. Petersburg area and helped them get the results they needed. Call Carl today to schedule a consultation.