Alimony or spousal maintenance is an important and complex component of a divorce case. The judge, depending on the circumstances of the case, will initially decide whether spousal maintenance needs to be included in the dissolution of marriage order, and if included, both parties are bound by the court decision. Often times, spouses who are required to pay maintenance wonder if this order can be changed. In this article, we will help answer this question.
Missouri courts recognize two main types of maintenance orders:
First, it is essential for all parties seeking a legal modification of maintenance orders to note that:
A substantial and continuing change of circumstances could refer to any of the following circumstances:
There are many other factors that a court judge can consider for modification of maintenance. It is important to note that while either party put forth a request to alter the maintenance order, it is the sole responsibility of the requesting party to prove the need for modification and that the amount increase or decrease requested is correct as per changed circumstances.
In such cases, the court judge will have a substantial discretion power to ascertain the need for a modification in the maintenance order. The Judge will make a decision based on changed factors like:
Hundreds of questions come to mind as the stark reality of divorce settles in. As a firm, our goal is to help you find the answers to those questions and to begin the next phase of your life with as much ease as possible. We are dedicated to providing our clients and their families with kind, personalized, and professional legal representation throughout the entire divorce process.
Please call us today to discuss your case at (314) 801-8488 or fill out our online contact form.
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