If you are paying your spouse alimony and you suddenly lose your job, that’s certain to cause some financial stress. You shouldn’t just stop paying alimony though. There is a process to go through and the court and your former spouse should be notified if life circumstances mean that you can no longer fulfill your obligations. Our Dallas County alimony lawyers can tell you how to handle this.
Can a Spousal Support Agreement Be Modified?
There are no rules saying that a spousal support agreement cannot be modified temporarily. Life happens and sometimes that affects the finances of a paying spouse. We would certainly say that losing your job qualifies as a major event and a good reason to ask to change your alimony agreement. You could arrange smaller payments or even ask the court if you can stop paying entirely until you get back on your feet.
Do I Have to Go to Court Before I Stop Paying Alimony?
There is one thing we have to emphasize though. You have to go to court to request a change to your alimony agreement, even a temporary one. You cannot just decide to stop paying on your own, no matter how bad your financial situation looks.
If you just stop paying, you’re going to get into trouble. Even if it’s later found out that you have a good reason for requesting a change to your alimony agreement, you’re still going to owe any back-payments you missed because you just decided you weren’t going to send your ex money anymore. So you get in trouble with the court and your financial burden gets even worse. That doesn’t seem like a smart way to go, does it?
What Evidence Can Help Me Show That I Need to Stop Paying Alimony?
When you do go to court and ask for a change to your spousal support agreement, it’s a good idea to have some evidence of your job loss with you. Being able to show a termination letter and indicators that you have made unemployment claims can be helpful.
You can also make a good impression by showing that you have been actively seeking employment. If you are healthy and able to work, the judge will want to see some effort on your part. If you are just sitting around and not really trying to find a job, the court and your ex might start to lose patience with you.
If you are asking for a modification because a health issue has made it impossible or difficult to work, then you will want to have evidence of that too. Medical records or a letter from your doctor should suffice in most cases.
Talk to Our Spousal Support Attorneys
If you are having an issue related to alimony, our experienced lawyers can probably help you. Contact Iowa Defenders, PLLC and schedule an appointment with our team. We can help you solve your problem without attracting the ire of a family court judge.
