Many Divorced Couples Seek Changes in Agreements

By Ardalan & Associates  Apr. 18, 2011 1:25p

The family courts are swarming with people requesting to make changes in their divorce agreements to lower their child support or alimony payments. Many people have experienced hardship in the economic downturn and are having to make changes in financial and other areas of life. When changes are to be made like this legally, it is referred to as a modification.

How Do You Handle Requested Changes

The best way to handle these types of changes if your former spouse requests such is to be understanding of the current situation. Many people have lost their jobs, have had to accept cuts in pay or have had their work hours reduced and the problems are very real. If your spouse is seeking a change in the divorce agreement to reduce payments, try to work with them and find out the details.

It would also be wise to ask for documentation proving that the changes are legitimate. Ask to see pay stubs or a notice from the human resources department to substantiate the changes. If you are the one having to request the reduction, be up front with your  ex-spouse and offer solutions to show that you are not just dumping the responsibility but are seeking ways to resolve the problem. Many times when spouses get behind on payments, it's not because they are intentionally being irresponsible deadbeats, but they are experiencing some type of hardship or emergency and their ability to pay is being affected.

A Family Law Attorney Can Help

If you are in the San Fernando Valley area and are in need of changing either your child support or alimony agreement, in would be in your best interests to work with a San Fernando Valley family law attorney to ensure the changes are done correctly and that you and any children involved are protected. An improperly worded agreement can put you at a disadvantage that could affect you for years to come. At Ardalan & Associates, we are experienced in handling most family law matters and can guide you toward making the correct decisions when it comes to child support and alimony. When you know you have made the right decisions, you gain peace of mind and we can help you achieve that. 

Contact a San Fernando Valley modification attorney in our office for a free consultation and we will help ensure the changes you need to make are the right ones and will benefit all concerned.