When you learn that your job at your place of employment is being terminated, it can be devastating. Unfortunately, this can leave you stressed about making ends meet, especially if you are paying alimony to your spouse. As such, you may wonder whether or not job loss will impact the spousal support payments you’re making. This blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with experienced St. Louis alimony lawyers to help you navigate these difficult times.
How Will Job Loss Impact Spousal Support Payments?
When you are laid off, terminated, or let go, you may wonder whether or not you will be responsible to make alimony payments to your ex-spouse. In general, these payments will not automatically stop, and you’ll need to petition the court for any pauses, reductions, or terminations you seek in support.
You should note that the court will consider a number of factors when determining whether or not to change your alimony orders based on job loss. Typically, the first thing to note is that you will likely be unable to seek a change in alimony within the first 90 days of losing your job. However, if you can show that you’ve made a good-faith effort to find employment within this timeframe, the court is more willing to change a current court order.
It’s also important to understand that the court will likely consider why you lost your job. If you violated company policy or did something illegal, it is not likely that the court will change the order. This is because the court believes that your ex-spouse shouldn’t suffer because of your actions.
What Should I Do After I Lose My Job?
In the event you lose your job while paying alimony, as mentioned, it is imperative that you continue making payments. Unfortunately, you’ll find that without a court order allowing you to do so, stopping payments can result in serious legal trouble. You may find that this can result in being held in contempt of court or having liens placed against your property.
As such, if you are laid off, the most important thing you can do is connect with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options. You’ll find that doing so can help you navigate the process of petitioning the court to have a modification granted, thus giving you much-needed financial relief.
At Stobie Family Law Group, we understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you through these complicated times. Our firm understands that trying to juggle a mortgage or rent, groceries, utilities, and alimony can be overwhelming, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the best possible outcome. When you need help, do not hesitate to reach out to our firm today.
