Modification of Divorce Decree: Divorce Matters® Can Help
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Overview
When a couple in Colorado gets divorced, the marital settlement agreement they sign isn’t set in stone for life. A change in circumstances can justify revisiting the agreement and seeking what is called a post-divorce modification or post-decree modification. Family law courts in Colorado recognize that marital settlement agreements need to be modified, either because of changing circumstances or the discovery of information that wasn’t disclosed during divorce proceedings.
Losing a job. Being promoted. A child graduating from high school. Moving out of state for an employment opportunity. These are just some of the circumstances that can compel someone to seek a post-decree modification.
The following examples nicely illustrate how pursuing a post-decree modification might work in your particular circumstances:
Alimony Modification
Child Support Modification
Seeking a post-divorce or post-decree modification for child support can be successful if you show changed circumstances that are “substantial and continuing.” In layman’s terms, this means that the change in circumstances has to be large enough to warrant a change in child support, as well as the circumstances being permanent. Typically, family law courts will modify a child support order if the amount owed would change by at least ten percent.
It is important to note that, child support CANNOT be made unmodifiable in the divorce agreement. This means that, no matter what, child support will be able to be modified if the circumstances change.
Modification of Parenting Time, Custody & Decision-Making
Anyone seeking to modify parenting time, custody, and/or decision-making authority, as it relates to a divorce agreement, must file a motion specifying what they want to modify. This motion can be filed at any time.
Motions to modify these previously agreed-upon matters are generally harder to win than motions to modify spousal maintenance or child support. This is partly because family law courts in Colorado act on the presumption that orders that have a direct bearing on children should remain as they are, except in the case of extraordinary changes. For this reason, if you’re thinking of pursuing a post-decree modification that pertains to parenting time and custody, you are strongly encouraged to speak with an experienced Colorado divorce attorney about how to best proceed.
Re-Opening Property Division
Dividing marital property is an essential part of every divorce proceeding. However, it isn’t uncommon for a spouse in a divorce case to hide assets to shield them from division and distribution. An ex-spouse who later discovers the existence of hidden assets can file a motion to modify the property division agreement.
Colorado family law courts have jurisdiction over such matters for five years following the entry of a division of property order. To be successful, a post-decree modification relating to marital property must demonstrate that the non-disclosure of assets was “material”, meaning that this non-disclosure affected the division of property in a big way.
Searching for the Best Divorce Lawyer in Colorado?
Contact Divorce Matters® Today
Has a change in circumstance occurred in your life, or the life of your ex-spouse, such that seeking a post-decree modification might be warranted? The highly experienced family law attorneys at Divorce Matters® will be pleased to help you explore all your legal options. Divorce Matters® is a Colorado-proud family law firm staffed by seasoned legal professionals who are well-versed in how to pursue post-decree modifications, as well as a wide range of divorce-related legal topics, from simple to complex.
Schedule a consultation using our online form or call Divorce Matters® at 720-542-6142.
FAQ
It is possible, but not necessarily guaranteed, that you can get an increase in child support or maintenance payments if your ex gets a raise. When a divorced spouse receives a substantial raise, it can be considered a “change in circumstance” and can be grounds for modifying the original order. At least when it comes to child support, this typically requires you to show a change of at least 10% in the amount of support that would be due to be granted the modification or continuing, meaning it isn’t a one-time bonus or payment.
Yes, in certain circumstances. If you are paying “periodic alimony” to your spouse, then you no longer have to do so when the supported spouse gets remarried or enters into a civil union, unless an agreement stating otherwise was signed during the divorce. It is best to have an attorney review your unique situation.
If you and your spouse have joint decision-making for your children, but your spouse refuses to communicate with you regarding the making of these decisions, you will likely need to involve the court system. It may be possible to modify the decision-making arrangement to give you sole decision-making for the children.
According to Colorado Law, spousal maintenance (alimony) can only be terminated if one of the spouses dies, if the maintenance term has expired, if the supported spouse remarries, or if the court orders the termination of maintenance. You may also be able to seek modification or termination through the court system, depending on your exact circumstances.
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Bringing a Human Approach to Legal Services
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Douglas A. Thomas
Founding Partner
As founder of Divorce Matters®, my team of attorneys works with families in Colorado to help them achieve optimal outcomes in the highly emotional, individual, and sensitive area of family law, particularly divorce, child custody, and child support.
Professional and Community Associations
• Colorado Bar Association
• Arapahoe County Bar Association
• Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
• Defense Research Institute ”“ Member
Public & Speaking Engagements
Mr. Thomas has been a frequent speaker at the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association and numerous Continuing Legal Education seminars.
Bar Admissions
• Colorado
• U.S. District Court, Colorado
Education
• J.D., University of Denver, 1993
• B.A., New Mexico Highlands University, magna cum laude, 1989
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Emily F. Ahnell
Partner and Managing Attorney
I began my practice after noticing a need for unbundled legal services. In addition to family law, I also defend employers and insurance carriers before administrative agencies and in civil litigation matters in Court.
I began my family law practice after noticing a need in the community for unbundled legal services. In addition to family law, I also defend employers and insurance carriers before administrative agencies and in civil litigation matters in Federal and State Courts.
Professional and Community Associations
• Colorado Bar Association
• Denver Bar Association
• Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
• Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer
Public & Speaking Engagements
Denver University Law Review, Staff Editor 2001-2002, General Editor 2002-2003
Bar Admissions
• Colorado
• U.S. District Court, Colorado
Education
• J.D., University of Denver, 2003
•B.A., University of Alabama, 1998 (Member of the Women’s Soccer Team)
