After a divorce, your divorce order may have contained a provision for you to pay alimony, also called spousal support or maintenance. These payments are made for the benefit of your ex. Life always changes, and sometimes, after your divorce is finalized, your life can change. If your situation has become one where you can no longer afford to pay the court-ordered payments, you may be wondering how you can prove that you need to have a reduction in the amount of alimony you are paying.
The Maryland and D.C. alimony attorneys at The Law Offices of Thomas Stahl know how stressful it can be to get a divorce. While alimony has its place after divorce in some situations, it can still be a point of contention for the party that has to pay. Yet, when a valid reason entitles you to a reduction in your alimony payments, speaking with an attorney to learn more about how to move forward successfully is essential. If you believe that your circumstances have changed and that you require a reduction in alimony, come in and meet with an attorney at The Law Offices of Thomas Stahl. An attorney can review your case and explain your options so you know what to do before you find yourself in default and at the mercy of the court.
Successfully Getting a Reduction in Your Alimony Payments
The first thing you need to know is that alimony payments are mandatory based on your court order or your signed agreement with your ex. If your situation has changed and you deserve a reduction in alimony payments, you must have a revised agreement or an adjusted order from the court. You cannot just stop paying or reduce the amount you pay your ex on your own. Doing so can put you in serious legal trouble, resulting in devastating financial outcomes.
In specific situations, a reduction in your alimony payments may be warranted. If you can prove any of the following, then you may be entitled to a reduction in alimony.
- You have lost a job or your income has gone down significantly for no fault of your own.
- You have developed an illness or were injured, which is affecting your ability to work and earn the income you once had to cover the alimony payments.
- Your ex has remarried and is now living with their new partner, who helps pay expenses.
- Your ex has had a considerable increase in their income.
- Your ex inherited money or property that has increased their wealth and can be an income source.
Discovery will ensue after your motion has been filed for a reduction in your alimony. This is the step where you and your ex can gather evidence from each other to support each position. The Judge will review all of the evidence and determine whether or not you will have your alimony payments reduced.
Maryland And D.C. Family Law Attorneys
To learn more about reducing your alimony, you are welcome to contact the seasoned and experienced Maryland and D.C. alimony lawyers at The Law Offices of Thomas Stahl for more information. Schedule a consultation today or call us at (443) 331-2770. We have offices in Columbia, MD, and Washington, DC.
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