Has anyone successfully modified spousal support several years after divorce?

[Anonymous]

Long story short: not waiving spousal support rights but being lowballed on it. Long term marriage, so court has decision power (I forgot the term). I am told it’s fairly hard to modify the terms later. However, has anyone been able to do it and was it hard? I know it’s state specific but I will take examples from any state. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

No. Child support can change if circumstances change but why would spousal support change? It’s based in the marriage, not what happens after.

[Anonymous]

Usually no, why do you think you are entitled to more?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. Child support can change if circumstances change but why would spousal support change? It’s based in the marriage, not what happens after.

This is not true in Virginia, spousal support can be modified. Don't take my word for it, it's right in the statute. Another reason to have a consult with an actual lawyer and not random people on the internet. IANYL.

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter6/section20-109/

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/20-107.1/

[Anonymous]

Fight for what you want now. Modifications are for significant changed circumstances - so unless you anticipate that happening, you should assume that there would be no modification. You're being "low balled" as part of the negotiation process, so give your counter offer.

[Anonymous]

Your lawyer should know what you are entitled to by law, that’s the most important number. Go from there.

[Anonymous]

Don’t kick this can down the road. Fight now for what you think you legally deserve even if you are tired

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks all. Yes I have an estimate from lawyers. I am not super desperate right now but who knows what happens later. Two lawyers told me it’s hard to modify, but I have been told inaccurate info by tax preparers, for example. So I learned it’s always useful to hear about real cases.

[Anonymous]

I’m a bit late to this thread, but if you’re looking for good info from lawyers, ask if they’ve ever represented someone trying to do X, and whether they were successful.

I bet it is hard to adjust spousal support pot-divorce. But why? Under what circumstances can it be done? Have they seen it be successful, and why or why not? I assume there are so many factors that it’s a vary case by case determination, but you gotta ask what circumstances it’s possible under.