Whether you are petitioning for a modification or responding to a modification request from your former spouse, an experienced spousal support modifications lawyer in Virginia Beach will help you protect your rights. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we have been helping our clients through the spousal support modification process for over a decade.
Our experienced team of compassionate Virginia Beach spousal support lawyers will work as your partner to achieve an outcome that meets your goals and protects your financial future. Schedule a free consultation with one of our Client Service Coordinators today.
When to Contact a Virginia Beach Lawyer Regarding a Spousal Support Modification
You should contact a lawyer for spousal support modification if there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances in your or your former spouse’s financial situation. Some of the most common changes that can prompt a judge to consider a modification to a spousal support order include:
- If either spouse loses their job, sees a reduction in their hours or pay rate, or retires
- If either spouse receives a significant raise or gets a new, higher-paying job
- If the receiving spouse gets remarried
An experienced Virginia Beach divorce lawyer will help you file your petition for a modification if you are the one seeking to make a change or assist you as you prepare to respond to a modification request from your former spouse to ensure your interests are represented.
Terminating a Spousal Support Agreement or Order
In some cases, rather than seeking to modify your existing spousal support agreement, it may be in your best interest to terminate spousal support instead. Termination will only be an option in extreme cases.
The most common reason a judge will grant termination of spousal support is if the receiving spouse remarries or starts living with someone analogous to marriage. An attorney from our firm can help you determine whether you should seek a modification or termination of spousal support.
Virginia Beach Spousal Support Modifications
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How a Spousal Support Modifications Attorney in Virginia Beach Can Help With Your Case
When you hire a Virginia Beach spousal support modifications lawyer from Melone Hatley, P.C., you will get a partner who will fight with you through every step of the process. Our attorneys will do the following to ensure your rights are supported:
- Reviewing current agreements and orders: We will examine the details of your existing spousal support agreement or court order to understand the terms and conditions initially set.
- Assessing financial situations: Your lawyer will review your current financial situation and that of your former spouse to determine if there have been any substantial and material changes that might justify a modification.
- Evaluating recent life events: We will consider recent life events that have impacted your or your former spouse’s financial circumstances, such as job loss, pay changes, or remarriage.
- Filing necessary paperwork: Your attorney will file all the necessary paperwork to request a modification to your current spousal support agreement or order, ensuring that all legal procedures are followed correctly.
- Responding to modification petitions: If your former spouse is the one seeking a change, your lawyer will assist you in responding to their petition, protecting your interests throughout the process.
Our Virginia Beach family lawyers will take all factors into consideration when handling your spousal support modification claim to help ensure that any changes made align with your goals. We will answer any questions you may have to ensure you fully understand your situation and the ramifications of any potential modifications.
Types of Spousal Support and Options for Modification
When looking to modify a spousal support order or agreement, it is critical that you fully understand the current status of your arrangement. Your options for modification will depend on the specific type of spousal support in your case.
Temporary Alimony
Temporary alimony is first established during divorce proceedings and is subject to modification at any time if either you or your spouse experiences a significant change to your financial status.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is a form of spousal support awarded until the spouse can support themselves financially. It can be modified if the educational or career advancement goals of the recipient change or if they become self-sufficient sooner than expected.
Permanent Alimony
Permanent alimony is meant to continue until the death of one of the spouses. However, certain changes, including remarriage by the party receiving support or significant financial changes for either party, can lead to modifications.
Non-Modifiable Support
As the name suggests, any non-modifiable support awarded in your case can not be changed. The court will not have jurisdiction to alter the terms for non-modifiable spousal support. Instead, all they can do is uphold and enforce these spousal support payments.
Get Help From an Experienced Spousal Support Modifications Lawyer Serving Virginia Beach
Whether you are petitioning for a modification to your spousal support order or responding to a modification request from your ex-spouse, it is critical that you secure the services of an experienced attorney.
At Melone Hatley. P.C., our Virginia Beach spousal support modifications attorneys will work as your partner to ensure your rights are protected and that you get an outcome that aligns with your goals.
Contact us today by phone or through our website to set up a free case consultation with a member of our legal team. We have the experience you need to ensure a favorable outcome to your case, but you don’t have to take our word for it.
Check out our family law client testimonials to hear what our satisfied clients have to say.
