Modification of Spousal Support in VA

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Whether you're responsible for paying spousal support or you're on the receiving end of these payments, changes in life happen and impact your need for support or ability to pay. While it is often trickier to modify spousal support than it is to modify child support, with the right approach, it can be done.

As the founder of and lead Virginia Beach divorce lawyer at Keri A. Markiewicz, I can work with you to prepare a request that the court agrees with. I truly enjoy helping my clients improve their life in a desirable way – let me help you do the same.

Requirements for Spousal Support Modification

Before you can even begin pursuing a modification of your order, you'll need to ensure that your original spousal support award allows for modifications. This would have been written into your settlement agreement at the time of your divorce. Without such a stipulation, Virginia courts generally do not allow for modifications. The courts also require a change in circumstances to have occurred for any modifications.

This can include any of the following:

• Remarriage or cohabitation by the party receiving the support
• Job loss or decreased work hours
• Increase of income
• Serious financial hardship
• Medical disabilities

It is extremely common for the court to terminate all spousal support if the receiving party gets remarried or begins living together with another individual.