Altering alimony due to employment change

If there is one thing that Florida residents can be certain of, it is the fact that change is inevitable. This is true when it comes to personal relationships, and also to matters of employment. As part of a divorce, many people are tasked with making alimony payments. When an unexpected job change leads to a reduction in income, meeting that financial obligation can be a challenge.

One way to address this issue is to re-approach the court and ask for a reduction in alimony. Doing so can be challenging, and it is important to present a strong legal argument. Courts approach alimony very seriously, and it is not always easy to have those payments reduced.

In order to reduce one’s monthly alimony obligation, it is necessary to provide the court with evidence of a significant change in one’s financial situation. In the case of a layoff or dismissal, it will be necessary to provide proof of the shift in employment status, as well as evidence of an ongoing search for new employment. If the income reduction is the result of a decrease in hours or new payment structure, gather documentation that clearly outlines those financial changes.

Approaching the Florida court to ask for a reduction in alimony requires a very careful approach. Courts consider these requests on a regular basis, and many motions are denied. Reaching a successful outcome requires demonstration of an employment change that is out of an individual’s control, coupled with sincere efforts to replace that lost income.

Source: nj.com, “Can I pay less alimony after job change? | Biz Brain“, Karin Price Mueller, Sept. 7, 2017

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