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Modification of Your Divorce Decree

On Behalf of | Mar 21, 2023 | Divorce

After the tumultuous process of divorce, there are many crucial matters to address, including modifications to your divorce decree. In Chicago, Illinois, couples seeking a modification to their divorce judgment must navigate the complexities of the legal system, which can be challenging. Divorced individuals wishing to make a change to their divorce decree are encouraged to reach out to a family law attorney for help.

Post-Divorce Child Support and Custody Modifications

Chicago bases child custody decisions on what’s in the child’s best interests, but things can alter after a divorce. A parent’s relocation may require a modification to the custody circumstances. The custody may need to be changed if one parent proves unsuitable to take care of the child in their custody. Or, the child’s preferences may be taken into account if they reach an age where they can express them.

You may need to change your child support order in certain situations. A significant change in one parent’s take-home pay may necessitate a modification to the child support judgment. If the child’s educational or medical expenses change, the child support judgment may also need modifications. Major changes to the parenting plan may also necessitate a child support modification.

Making Changes to Spousal Support After Divorce

Spousal support, or alimony, can be another issue after divorce. A significant change in the paying spouse’s income may require an update to the spousal support arrangement. If the recipient’s educational or medical expenses change, modifying the spousal support may be necessary.

Per Illinois law, spousal maintenance terminates if the spouse receiving alimony gets remarried. A paying party may also ask the court to terminate his or her maintenance obligation if the recipient starts cohabiting with a romantic partner.

Property Division Modifications After Divorce

In Illinois, property is divided based on the principle of equitable distribution, which means that property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Modifying a property division judgment or settlement is much more difficult than modifying other aspects of the divorce decree. Typically, property division terms can only be changed if

  • A spouse discovers that the other spouse hid assets during the divorce

  • A spouse can prove that they were fraudulently coerced or under duress during the divorce

Contact a Chicago Divorce Lawyer

Our Chicago divorce lawyer can help if you are thinking about post-divorce changes. We can aid you through the procedure and guide you through these challenging problems. To schedule a free, private consultation at NextLevel Law, P.C., call 312-442-2225.