Can spousal support be changed after it has been agreed upon in a divorce settlement?
In Washington State, it is possible for spousal support orders to be modified after a divorce settlement has been reached. This is done in cases when one or both former spouses experience a significant change in their financial situations, such as a job loss or a change in income. Depending on the type of spousal support ordered, there are two ways to seek a modification. The first is to file a motion for modification. This involves filing legal paperwork with the court and a hearing in front of a judge who can decide if the requested change is necessary. The other way is to file an agreed order of modification. This involves the former spouses presenting an agreement to the court that outlines how the spousal support order should be modified. The court must approve the agreement before it is enforced. In either case, the spousal support order can only be changed if there is a substantial change in the financial circumstances of one or both of the former spouses. It is important to note that no matter what type of modification is sought, both former spouses must agree to any modifications before they are enforced by the court.
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