Modifying Spousal Support

After a divorce, an individual who was ordered to pay spousal support can seek to modify the spousal support arrangement under certain circumstances.  Generally, the individual will need to prove there has been a significant change in circumstances that warrants the change. This might include an unexpected job loss, a sudden illness, a medical emergency, etc.  Although the court may not terminate the individual’s obligation to pay spousal support, the judge can reduce the amount of support that is paid to reflect the individual’s new situation.

In addition, there are also cases in which an individual can get his or her spousal support obligations terminated.  For example, if the other spouse gets remarried, the spouse ordered to pay support will no longer be obligated to continue making payments.

On the flip side, the spouse receiving support can ask for a modification as well.  However, in order to successfully modify the order, he or she will need to give the judge a legitimate reason as to why he or she deserves more money.