While some folks may believe that a divorce decree is a permanent and unchangeable legal document, there are actually many common circumstances that may call for modification of the decree. After all, life is rarely static, and you may experience a variety of life events and circumstances that might render your divorce decree unreasonable, invalid, or otherwise unfeasible. 

Typical Reasons to Change Spousal Support or Child Support

In the years following a divorce, myriad circumstances may change for one or both parties that would require post-decree modifications. This is quite common with spousal support and child support. Some common situations in which support may need to be adjusted after a divorce include:

Going into a new year, many people often try to set goals in order to improve their everyday lives. These resolutions may range from promises to eat healthier to working towards a better career, and there are limitless possibilities for self-improvement. If you are trying to move past a divorce, there are several goals that you can put into place to help make this task easier to achieve. While beginning a new year alone can be difficult, there are a number of positive steps you can take that can help you build a successful life after your marriage has ended.

Act Appropriately Towards Your Ex

Following your divorce, you and your ex-spouse may still have to communicate with each other on a regular basis. Whether it is due to child custody, child support, or different post-decree matters, a variety of situations may arise that will require the two of you to cross paths and interact. By treating your ex with respect and kindness when possible, you can avoid a toxic relationship and reduce stress in your life.

There are many reasons why a person would want to move after they have completed a divorce. Getting a new job, starting a new relationship, moving closer to family, or just getting a fresh start are all common reasons why people choose to relocate to a new home. However, when you add children into the picture, relocation could become more complicated. You cannot just pick up and move with your child if you have an existing parenting plan in place. You must first request permission to relocate from the child’s other parent. Then you must request permission to modify your parenting plan from the courts. Taking the correct steps when you are moving is the key to a successful relocation.

Notifying the Other Parent

If you have been allocated a majority of the parenting time or an equal amount of parenting time as your child’s other parent, you can request to relocate with your child. To do so, you must first provide a written notice of the relocation to your child’s other parent, and provide a copy of the notice to the clerk of the circuit court where you were divorced. The notice should be given at least 60 days in advance of the intended relocation, and it should include the date of the intended relocation, the address of your new residence, and the length of time the relocation will last (if it is not permanent).

The arrangements agreed upon during a dissolution of marriage, such as the allocation of parental responsibilities or obligations to pay child support or spousal maintenance, will continue per the decree until either a child becomes an adult, or until a specified end date, or indefinitely. However, people’s lives change, and what may work well for both parties during the divorce proceedings may no longer be practical a few years later. Also, an ex-spouse may refuse to comply with the divorce decree. In these situations, you may want to consider modifying or enforcing the divorce decree.

Enforcement of the Court Decree

It is not uncommon that following a divorce, newly single spouses seek companionship again. After experiencing the intimacy and partnership of marriage, individuals are equipped with a deeper understanding of themselves and their interests, morals, and overall life goals. Having experienced the benefits of a close relationship, marriage becomes an option once more for many divorcees. 

It may be interesting to discover that many previously married couples find that love again with each other, even after they have gone through contentious courtroom divorce battles. However, it is best to proceed with caution when considering remarriage to a former spouse, as post-decree concerns may put a damper on a future wedding.