Spousal Support Modification in Mission Viejo

Are altered circumstances affecting your support order?

Spousal support orders can be negotiated between two spouses through mediation or a collaborative divorce, or they can be court-ordered by a family law judge. Regardless of how a spousal support order has been issued, there are some situations where the supporting spouse can no longer make payments due to a change in circumstance and therefore must request a court order modification. In order to obtain such a modification, the spouses go before a family law judge and prove that the change in circumstance affects their ability to pay support, or that the need for support is no longer existent.

Common causes for spousal support include loss of a job, reduced income, physical disability, and more. There are also instances where the receiving spouse becomes self-supportive and no longer requires spousal support. Any of these cases requires the representation of a skilled Mission Viejo divorce lawyer who can present a strong case on your behalf to ensure that you receive or pay what is fair according to California spousal support guidelines.

Uncontested Spousal Support Modifications

There are some cases where both spouses agree that a support modification is necessary. In such cases, they could draft a new spousal support agreement outside of court through mediation or collaborative law. They can then present their agreement to a family law judge and explain their reasoning for the modification. If the judge approves the modification, he or she will enter a judgment and issue a modified court order.

Contested Spousal Support Modifications

When the payer and payee of spousal support are in disagreement about a modification, the case must be litigated in family law court. If you are the supportive spouse and the other spouse's circumstances have changed so that they are able to be self-supportive, our firm can help you obtain a modification to reduce or eliminate your support order. We can also help you obtain a modification if you have lost your job or suffered anything else that reduces your ability to pay.

If you are the receiving spouse and you are in need of more support because of a change in circumstance, or if you are able to support yourself and no longer need spousal support, we can provide the representation you need. Our lawyers have handled all types of spousal support and divorce modification cases. We will thoroughly study your case to determine whether or not you have a case for modification of your court orders.

Why choose the Hunter Law Group?

For more than a decade, our firm has been dedicated to helping families through difficult family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and spousal support issues. We know every detail of the California Family Code and will fight relentlessly to defend your rights to fair support. You will need the representation of an aggressive and persuasive attorney in order to prove that your circumstances have changed, so do not hesitate to consult with a team as soon as possible.

Why You Need a Spousal Support Lawyer in Orange County

Waiting to hire a divorce lawyer to handle your spousal support modification case will only lower your chances of success. The sooner you retain a lawyer from the Hunter Law Group, the sooner we can begin building a strong case to prove that your court order needs to be modified. Otherwise, you could face financial stress due to a spousal support order that is too much for you to afford or too much to cover your needs. At The Hunter Law Group, we have over 30 years of experience helping individuals with annulments, legal separations, and divorce. Contact our firm as soon as possible to get started -- schedule a consultation today!