Divorce agreements are meant to be permanent, but it’s not uncommon
for a party to want to change it for one reason or the other. A significant
change in circumstances (death, relocation, job loss) after a divorce
can make a modification necessary for the best interest of the parents
and their children. Continue reading to learn more about changing a divorce
settlement agreement.
The areas of a divorce that are most often modified are those involving
alimony, child support and parenting. Below are a few circumstances that
may justify the need for a court order modification:
-
If you are ordered to pay
child support and you lose your high-paying job or have additional children with a new
partner, you can file a motion to modify the child support order.
-
You can also ask the court to change the amount of
spousal support you give and receive. If you receive alimony and your ex-spouse starts
earning a higher level of income, you can ask for more money. If you’re
the one paying spousal support, you can ask the court to lower or cut
off the payments you make if your spouse gets a good-paying job or moves
in with a wealthy new partner.
-
Parenting plans can also be modified for several reasons, for example, if one parent wishes
to move to another city or state. Another reason for a modification to
the parenting plan could be because one parent suddenly becomes unfit,
whether it’s due to drugs and alcohol, an arrest, mental health
issues or addiction.
-
Despite their best efforts, courts are known to make
mistakes, which can result in unfair divorce agreements. In these circumstances,
you can file an appeal and ask a higher court to review your original case.
At the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny, our
Houston divorce lawyers are committed to representing the rights and best interests of families
all across Texas.
Call (713) 936-2300 or contact us online
for an initial consultation.