The short answer to this question is, yes, you can modify your alimony payments. However, it all depends on the circumstances of your situation and whether or not your life recently underwent any change that warrant a modification of your alimony payments. Before you go any further, it is crucial to seek experienced legal counsel from a family law attorney.
In the meantime, please review our list of some of the most common reasons why a judge might grant a modification of one’s alimony payments:
- You and your spouse were able to reach an agreement: If you and your ex-spouse were able to come to an agreement regarding your alimony payments, you will still need the court’s approval. Otherwise, if your ex-spouse changes his or her mind later on, this could easily come back to haunt you and you could still be responsible for the amount you did not pay throughout that time. It might seem like a hassle to you, but you should never rely on an informal agreement. People change, things happen, so get everything in writing and make it formal by going through the proper channels.
- Your spouse is living with a new partner: if your former spouse finds someone new and cohabitates with him or her, you will likely be able to reduce your alimony payments. Likewise, if your former spouse remarried, you could request to eliminate your alimony payments since your ex would have a new source of support and would not be in need of alimony.
- You are experiencing a financial emergency: Emergencies happen to the best of us, so if you have an unexpected medical situation that will render you unable to make your alimony payments, it is possible to have them temporarily reduced until your situation improves again. Incidentally, if your former spouse has an emergency, he or she might also be able to request an increase in alimony payments, so it works both ways.
- There was a change in the law: In some cases, nothing in either of your lives might have changed, but rather there was a change in the law that might allow for a modification of your alimony payments. Stay up to date with divorce law changes and consult with your attorney to find out if these changes might allow you to request a reduction in alimony payments.
Regardless of the reasons for your modification, make sure you always make a formal request with the court. Do not simply stop making payments or you will still be responsible for them.
Speak to an Experienced Alimony Attorney Today!
If you wish to modify your alimony payments, contact the team at Patton | Pittman Attorneys for the skilled legal advice and assistance you deserve. We will walk you through the process of modifying your alimony payments and answer all of your questions along the way, so you have total clarity, understanding, and never feel like you are in the dark.
Contact our law office today at (931) 361-4477 to schedule a complimentary and confidential case review with one of our attorneys and learn more about how we can assist you.