Alimony Modification May Be Available to Reduce Your Alimony Burden

By Keith E. Kendall, Esq.

Recently, I represented a client who was paying alimony in the amount of $2,000 per month. He lost his well-paying job due to health reasons and was no longer able to afford to pay alimony in the high amount. Ordinarily, alimony is not modifiable, unless specifically agreed by the parties, or ordered by the Court to be modifiable. Our Client had - during divorce settlement proceedings - insisted, in his marital settlement agreement, that his alimony obligation be modifiable. Because he had planned for it; and because of his changed financial condition; we were able to file a petition for a downward modification of his alimony obligation, and were able to obtain a court-ordered, 80% reduction in that obligation.

The moral of the story is that if you are faced with a substantial alimony obligation, insist that the obligation is specifically made subject to future modification by the Court so that if in the future you become unable - through no fault of your own - to afford the alimony that has either been agreed to, or ordered by the Court, you can attempt to have it modified downward.

Knowing important details such as this is why it is essential to hire an experienced divorce attorney for your divorce. Although hiring an attorney can be expensive, in the long run it can save your financial situation. If you are contemplating this life changing decision, call Scaringi Law at 717 657 7770 to ask about a consultation. One of our experienced divorce attorneys can explain your options and show you a way to get your life back.