Post-Divorce Modifications in Rhode Island
Wondering how you can modify the terms of your divorce in Rhode Island? Or what happens post-divorce in Rhode Island? Warwick Rhode Island Divorce And Alimony Attorney Paul Ferns has the answers.Most people breathe a sigh of relief after finalizing a divorce. It can be a huge weight off your shoulders to finally put this stressful time behind you. However, as time passes and circumstances change, you may need to modify the conditions of your divorce in order to make ends meet. Fortunately, it’s possible to file motions to modify or amend the divorce decree. Here’s everything you need to know about post divorce modifications in RI.
How to modify an uncontested divorce: Rhode Island post-divorce modification
While most people consider the final ruling of a divorce to be set in stone, that’s not always the case. In Rhode Island, it’s possible to modify certain aspects of a divorce by petitioning the court for a modification. To obtain a divorce modification in Rhode Island, you must prove to the court that circumstances have changed significantly since the final judgment of your divorce. Common circumstantial changes include:- Parental relocation
- Loss of employment or income
- New job opportunities or increased income
- Disability of an ex-spouse or dependant child
- Remarriage or additional dependant children
Modifying property and asset divisions
Under RI divorce laws, property settlement agreements usually aren’t modifiable after the divorce has been finalized. However, If one spouse deliberately hid assets or failed to disclose the full value of an asset, either intentionally or unintentionally, it can be possible to have the court re-examine your ruling.In the case of a marital business, if the business has failed to operate as intended in the initial agreement, the court may also consider reopening the case to renegotiate the terms of the divorce.
Modifying custody arrangements
One of the most common reasons that parents seek a modification to their custody arrangement is relocation. If you’ve received a new job opportunity that requires you to move long-distance from your ex-spouse, you’ll have to seek a modification to your initial custody agreement before you can go through with the move. Alternatively, if you want to stop your ex-spouse from taking the children across state lines where it will be difficult for you to see them, you can petition the court to stop the move and protect your rights as a parent in Rhode Island.Other common reasons for seeking custody modifications include
- The needs of the child have changed.
- The child’s desires for custody have changed
- Disability of a child or parent
- Mental health issues or substance abuse on behalf of one parent
How to modify child support payments
RI child support payments are calculated on a dual-income model. The idea is that the child should receive the same level of financial care that they would have had both parents not divorced. You can learn more about this concept in our Rhode Island Child Support Guide.If either parent’s income has changed significantly since the original child support agreement, it’s possible to modify child support payments to reflect these changes in circumstance. If you receive child support payments and your ex-spouse recently obtained a promotion, you can seek higher payments to raise your child’s standard of living. Alternatively, if you’re unable to make your child support payments due to unemployment or another financial hardship, it’s possible to petition the court to lower your child support payments.
Important: If you can no longer afford your RI child support payments, don’t simply stop paying them. The court can find you to be in technical contempt, which can come with penalties and sanctions. If you need to lower your child support payments, contact a Rhode Island divorce lawyer immediately to file a motion to modify child support on your behalf.
Modifying alimony payments
Alimony in Rhode Island is a rehabilitative tool. It’s meant to get a spouse back on their feet until they can properly support themselves. Because alimony is meant to be a temporary measure, modification of alimony and spousal support agreements is common in Rhode Island.If your ex-spouse has made it back into the workforce sooner than expected, then it may be possible to terminate your alimony payments early. On the other hand, if you receive alimony payments and still haven’t been able to find work, perhaps due to an accident or another pressing life concern, you may wish to file a motion to extend your alimony payments. In some cases, it may be possible to receive permanent alimony due to disability. Read our Rhode Island Alimony blog for more in depth information.
Modifying your divorce with Paul Ferns
If you need to modify any aspect of your divorce in Rhode Island, contact a post-divorce attorney like Paul Ferns. Thanks to years of experience in the courtroom, Attorney Ferns can help you modify your divorce to suit your current circumstances. He’ll advocate for your rights in the courtroom, helping you through the modification process with patience, compassion and empathy. Contact his office today to find relief.Attorney Ferns is capable and prepared to take your case to Rhode Island Family Court if need be
Don’t worry. We’re here to help.