Changing a Divorce Decree to Make Circumstances More Fair and Balanced
If you live in Kansas and Missouri, and you would like to renegotiate alimony, child support, or child custody, changing a divorce decree may be a smart strategy.
Many newly divorced people believe, falsely, that the final order in a divorce is unalterable. In fact, many circumstances can lead to renegotiation of terms. For instance, say you got divorced back when your children were minors. Now that the children are mostly grown up, you may want to alter the terms and conditions of child support.
Or perhaps you discovered information proving that your spouse hid or concealed assets (e.g. an inheritance never disclosed to you). This information should have had significant bearing on the child support and spousal support discussions.
Life also has a way of forcing parents to confront new realities and make modifications. For instance, perhaps you (or your spouse) got fired or rapidly promoted. If the child support paying parent gets a significant bump in income, the receiving parent can change the divorce decree to increase the amount of support.
Other factors that may influence your options include whether you or your spouse has gotten remarried; generated excessive living expenses; or gotten sick or disabled or severely injured.
Changing a Divorce Decree - Options Are Limited
Although there may be more "wiggle room" than you realize to modify and renegotiate certain aspects of your divorce, your rights are not unlimited. The courts may have an interest, for instance, in preventing child support and visitation from being renegotiated too often.
Independent research suggests that volatility in children’s lives create stress and possibly long-term adverse effects.
Fortunately, it’s not necessary to open up and rehash every element of the divorce arrangement when changing a divorce decree is undertaken. To determine whether changing a divorce decree is the right strategic move for you, given your circumstances and objectives, connect with the attorneys at Fletcher, Rohrbaugh & Chahine, LLP at 785-289-8851 for a free consultation about changing your divorce decree.
Fletcher, Rohrbaugh & Chahine, LLP
843 New Hampshire
Lawrence KS 66064
Telephone: (785) 322-4013
Fax: (913) 390-8101