Are you suddenly finding it difficult to keep up with your bills? If so, you might be wondering whether changing your level of spousal maintenance (alimony) is possible, and how Washington family law applies to your situation. There is no clear-cut answer because modifying support is never easy. A prior alimony order can only be changed in family court if the party in question experiences a “significant change in circumstances,” according to divorce law.
If you would like to find out if your situation applies then you should go over your financial situation with one of our Olympia spousal support modification lawyers. While this section of family law is somewhat vague, a “significant” change could include losing one’s job or some incapacitating health problem. The only way to find out for sure if your circumstances apply is to address the issue with Olympia family law attorneys who are familiar with these tricky cases.
What is the Process for a Spousal Support ModificationThere are steps you have to take if you intend on filing for a modification in spousal support in the State of Washington. Not only will you be required to fill out all necessary forms, copies of the forms will have to be filed with the family law court and served to your ex-spouse. These cases are usually submitting in writing and require no verbal testimony. This is commonly referred to as a trial by affidavit.
You will also have to show proof of your current income, including tax returns from the last two years, personal bank records, and six months worth of employment pay stubs. If you and your ex-spouse agree to the modification, the order can be approved by the court without a hearing, but if it is contested then a judge will render a decision. It will likely take about four months for this process to unfold.
One thing is certain; if you are in a bad financial situation then you need relief as soon as possible. Our Thurston County spousal support and alimony lawyers urge you to take swift action, because obtaining a modification in family court will take time. Every moment that slips away increases the amount of money you owe in support, and once that time has elapsed there is no way to reduce the amount of money you’re responsible for. This means every day that you wait to file for a support modification is costing you money that you already don’t have.
Our Olympia family law attorneys are eager to work with you to find a solution to your financial problem that we can present to the family court. At the Washington Family Law Group, our lawyers are skilled litigators and artful negotiators, and will act as your personal advocate with the court.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation with One of Our Olympia Divorce LawyersYou can find out if a modification is possible in your situation by contacting one of our Olympia spousal support modification attorneys for a free consultation. With over 50 years of combined experience, our Olympia family law attorneys resolve hundreds of divorce cases every year, and they can help you seek relief through the family court.
When you take advantage of our free consultation offer, you get to speak with one of our qualified Olympia spousal support modification lawyers without any obligation whatsoever. They will provide you with information based on Washington State family law, and give you options that you can then ponder before you take any action. If you decide to retain one of our Olympia spousal support and alimony lawyers they will help you draft a petition in family court in an effort to reduce your alimony payments.
If you are experiencing financial distress, contact one of our Olympia family law lawyers today and let us help you do everything legally possible to find relief.