Changes in Your Life Can Prompt Changes to Your Divorce Agreement

A divorce ends the legal union between spouses, but in many cases, the relationship between the parties continues and evolves. This is especially true when the couple shares children. Though spouses and their lawyers make a significant effort to reach a divorce agreement that everyone believes to be fair, life changes that occur after the marriage is legally dissolved could justify adjustments to the parenting and financial terms contained within the parties’ divorce order.

Types of events that can justify a change to a divorce agreement include:

• Financial shifts — Alimony and child support arrangements depend on the parties’ financial status at the time the order was entered. Modification might be warranted after a job loss, inheritance, business windfall or something else that drastically shifts the fortunes of a party either making or collecting payments under a divorce agreement.
• Parental disputes — When custody and visitation terms are resolved during a divorce, they might seem appropriate, but there’s no way to be sure how they will work in the long run. A remarriage can also change the dynamic between co-parents. Scheduling problems and accusations of noncooperation might lead one or both parties to request a change.
• Medical problems — If a serious injury or illness prevents you from earning the income you were making at the time of your divorce, a modification might be warranted. There are also instances where custody and visitation need to be altered to accommodate a medical problem. Child support terms could also be affected if a son or daughter suffers from a condition that requires expensive treatment.
• Family changes — An alimony recipient who cohabits with a new romantic partner might give up their right to collect payments in the same way as they would if the were remarried. However, proving that a relationship includes financial support can be complicated. Another commonly requested change occurs when a paying parent seeks a child support modification because they have become parent to a child with a new partner.

Do not hesitate to seek a change to your divorce order if relevant circumstances have changed. As the Long Island divorce leader, Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. provides comprehensive counsel to New Yorkers on post-decree modifications. Whether you plan to request a modification or are opposing the adjustment sought by your ex-spouse, please call 1.631.479.3839 or contact us online to learn about your legal options.