When your divorce is finalized, you may think that the agreements are set in stone, but that is not necessarily the case. Things like child custody, visitation, child support, and alimony can all be modified post-divorce – but only under certain circumstances. Modifying alimony is possible when circumstances in your life have changed significantly, whether you are the recipient or the payor. This guide will help you determine if you qualify for alimony modification.
A Significant Change in Circumstances that is Permanent, Involuntary, and Material
To qualify for alimony modification, you must experience a significant change in circumstances that could not have been anticipated at the time of the divorce. It must also be permanent, involuntary, and material. This could be things like health issues, long-term unemployment, a large raise, substantial inheritance, winning the lottery, permanent and involuntary inability to pay, retirement by the payor, the recipient gets remarried, recipient obtaining alimony fraudulently, or anything else that significantly alters the economic situation of either spouse.
What Doesn’t Qualify
There are a few things that are unacceptable in the eyes of the court when applying for alimony modification. Things like a moderate raise, voluntarily quitting your job, or purposely getting fired from your job. If you were awarded a lump sum or bridge-the-gap alimony settlement, you are also ineligible for alimony modification.
If you need to modify your alimony, turn to our attorneys of family law in Tampa, Florida. Our team of experienced attorneys will help you reach the settlement you need. Contact us today to speak to a capable alimony lawyer.