Divorce judgments are made in light of the present circumstances by both the parties and the courts. The passage of time may render these pacts obsolete.
After the divorce decree has been issued, it may be possible to amend the terms if they no longer make sense. A modification is a revision made to a divorce judgment by a court. If you and your spouse drafted the divorce settlement together, you both retain the option to modify the terms at any time.
It is advisable to consult with an experienced Salt Lake City divorce attorney if you need specific answers about your legal options.
Changes to Spousal Maintenance
Most spousal support arrangements are based on the assumption that your current financial condition would continue unabated. Nonetheless, everyone is aware of how quickly money may change hands. There may be room for a modification in your support payments if you have lost your job or been demoted through no fault of your own.
When a spouse remarries, they can lose their right to receive spousal assistance. This provision is not included in all spousal support orders. Even if your spouse remarries, there may be ways to minimize your payments because of the change in their financial circumstances.
Amendments to Child Support
The income of both parents is considered when making a child support determination. If that amount of money suddenly disappears, you might want to reevaluate your contract.
These shifts can occur in both directions. Sometimes payments might be adjusted if one spouse earns significantly more than the other. If your income is significantly lower, you can also make this request.
Child support payments may also be affected by remarriage. If your ex-spouse remarries, it will have a significant impact on their money. There’s a good legal case to be made that since they’re wealthier today, support payments should be reduced.
Alterations to Child Custody Arrangements
Changing custody and visiting arrangements can be necessary for a variety of reasons. You may need to beg for less time with the kids at other times, and vice versa.
If one or both parents are relocated, for example, this may affect their visitation rights. They can spend more time with the kids if they move nearby, but less if they relocate further away.
Child custody arrangements may also change if one parent remarries. Since one parent is now married, they may want to spend less time with the children. When one parent remarries, the chances of increased visitation by the other parent increase.