Learn more from a divorce settlement attorney in Longwood
Reaching agreement on a divorce settlement (called a marriage settlement agreement in Florida) takes a lot of hard work and compromise. Then, sometimes months or years later, life happens, and either you or your ex-spouse may need to modify that marriage settlement agreement.
If you’re still negotiating the settlement and it hasn’t yet been finalized, then you can modify anything. However, if your marriage settlement agreement is already finalized and a judgement has been issued, asking for a modification may be difficult depending on the circumstances.
What’s difficult to modify
Florida Statute 61.14 provides guidelines for what can be modified in a divorce settlement.
In general, it’s extremely difficult to modify the division of assets and debts from your Florida marriage settlement agreement. So, if you’ve already agreed to give up sizable assets, such as your car, your house or your retirement accounts, and your settlement is finalized, only an extraordinary circumstance could change that.
What’s easier to modify
However, when it comes to payments set forth in a marital settlement agreement, such as alimony and child support, Florida allows for modifications. Parenting plans also may be modified.
In almost all cases, the party who is making the petition to modify must provide that a significant change in circumstances has occurred in their life. These may include:
Such events may allow you, with court approval, to change the amount of child support you pay or receive, increase or decrease the time you may spend with your child, or decrease (or terminate) alimony.
If you are the person making a petition to modify, you will need to show evidence of a significant life event. And remember, when it comes to items such as child support and parenting plans, the court will always consider what’s in the best interest of the child first and foremost.
When you need a divorce settlement attorney
If you experience a significant life event and want to file a petition to modify your marriage settlement agreement, your best first step is to consult with an experienced divorce settlement attorney. The marriage settlement attorneys at Filler & Hedum Law in Longwood, Seminole County, are experienced in petitioning for the modification of marriage settlements. They’ll get to know you personally and will help you do what’s best for your family. Call today for a free modification of marital settlement consultation.
If you’re still negotiating the settlement and it hasn’t yet been finalized, then you can modify anything. However, if your marriage settlement agreement is already finalized and a judgement has been issued, asking for a modification may be difficult depending on the circumstances.
What’s difficult to modify
Florida Statute 61.14 provides guidelines for what can be modified in a divorce settlement.
In general, it’s extremely difficult to modify the division of assets and debts from your Florida marriage settlement agreement. So, if you’ve already agreed to give up sizable assets, such as your car, your house or your retirement accounts, and your settlement is finalized, only an extraordinary circumstance could change that.
What’s easier to modify
However, when it comes to payments set forth in a marital settlement agreement, such as alimony and child support, Florida allows for modifications. Parenting plans also may be modified.
In almost all cases, the party who is making the petition to modify must provide that a significant change in circumstances has occurred in their life. These may include:
- A significant health issue
- An unexpected job loss
- A considerable reduction (or increase) in income
- Lottery winnings
- The availability of medical insurance
- Medical costs that affect the total cost of a child’s care
- A move to another town
- A move to a larger (or smaller) house
- Or an alimony payee getting remarried.
Such events may allow you, with court approval, to change the amount of child support you pay or receive, increase or decrease the time you may spend with your child, or decrease (or terminate) alimony.
If you are the person making a petition to modify, you will need to show evidence of a significant life event. And remember, when it comes to items such as child support and parenting plans, the court will always consider what’s in the best interest of the child first and foremost.
When you need a divorce settlement attorney
If you experience a significant life event and want to file a petition to modify your marriage settlement agreement, your best first step is to consult with an experienced divorce settlement attorney. The marriage settlement attorneys at Filler & Hedum Law in Longwood, Seminole County, are experienced in petitioning for the modification of marriage settlements. They’ll get to know you personally and will help you do what’s best for your family. Call today for a free modification of marital settlement consultation.
FREE CONSULTATION AND family LAW CASE REVIEW
To learn more about marriage settlement modification in Florida, call Filler & Hedum Law today for a free consultation. Samuel Filler or Kelly Hedum will meet with you personally to discuss your case, answer your questions and offer valuable insight into your case at no cost to you. We’ve helped clients in Sanford, Longwood, Casselberry, Altamonte Springs, Oveido, Orlando, Winter Springs, DeLand and other Central Florida towns.
Filler & Hedum---There When You Need 'Em. 407-772-0700.
Filler & Hedum---There When You Need 'Em. 407-772-0700.
