What happens to alimony if you move out of state or get laid off?
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What happens to alimony if you move out of state or get laid off?
What happens to your alimony obligation if you: A) get laid off and can’t find a job? B) move out of state and take a job that doesn’t pay as much as the job you had when the divorce decree was finalized?
Asked on July 22, 2010 under Family Law, Michigan
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
You should speak with a family or matrimonial attorney. There is no automatic reduction or change in alimony (or, for that matter, child support), even owing to unemployment or other severe financial hardship or set back. However, it is possible to petition the court to adjust your alimony, based on these factors--i.e. you need to affirmativley go to court, and, among other things, you'll need extensive evidence of the losses you've suffered as well as WHY you've experienced them. For example, if you voluntarily choose to take a lesser-paying job (i.e. weren't laid off and had to take one), the court may choose to not give you relief (since the "hardship" is one of your own making).
A matrimonial or family law attorney will be able to evaluate your situation, determine if you're a good candidate for some sort of relief, and help you file for such, if appropriate.
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