When Can You Modify Spousal Support in New York?

Life rarely stays the same after a divorce is finalized. Job changes, health issues, remarriage, and other significant events can dramatically affect your financial situation, and your ability to pay or need for spousal support (also called maintenance). If you're wondering whether your spousal support order can be changed, in this post a Syracuse divorce attorney explains what you need to know.

Understanding the Basics of Modification

In New York, spousal support orders aren't necessarily set in stone. The court recognizes that circumstances change, and the law provides a mechanism for modifying maintenance awards when those changes are substantial and ongoing. However, you can't simply request a modification because you'd prefer to pay less or receive more. You need to demonstrate a significant change in circumstances that makes the current order unfair or unworkable.

What Qualifies as a Substantial Change in Circumstances?

New York courts require proof of a substantial change in circumstances that has occurred since the original support order was entered. Common examples include:

Income Changes: A significant increase or decrease in either party's income can justify modification. This might include job loss, a substantial promotion, retirement, or a new spouse's income affecting household finances. However, voluntary underemployment, such as intentionally taking a lower-paying job to reduce support obligations, won't be viewed favorably by the court.

Health Issues: Serious illness or disability affecting either party's ability to work or creating substantial medical expenses can warrant a modification. The court will consider both physical and mental health conditions that materially impact financial circumstances.

Retirement: Reaching retirement age and leaving the workforce can be grounds for modification, though courts will examine whether the retirement is reasonable and whether the payor has sufficient retirement income or assets.

Remarriage or Cohabitation: Under New York law, spousal support automatically terminates if the recipient remarries. If the recipient is cohabiting with a romantic partner in a marriage-like relationship, this may also be grounds for modification or termination, though the burden of proof lies with the party seeking the change.

The Legal Process for Modification

Modifying spousal support requires filing a petition with the court that issued the original order. You'll need to present evidence supporting your claim of changed circumstances. The court then has discretion in determining whether modification is appropriate and, if so, by how much.

The party seeking modification bears the burden of proving that circumstances have changed substantially. This typically involves providing financial documentation, tax returns, pay stubs, medical records, or other evidence demonstrating the change. Both parties will have the opportunity to present their case, and the court will consider factors similar to those used in the original maintenance determination.

Don't Ignore Your Support Obligation

One critical warning: never simply stop paying spousal support or reduce payments on your own, even if you believe you have valid grounds for modification. Doing so can result in serious consequences, including contempt of court charges, wage garnishment, property liens, and damage to your credit. Continue making payments as ordered until the court officially modifies or terminates your obligation.

Contact a Syracuse Divorce Attorney Today

Spousal support modification cases require careful preparation and presentation of evidence. An experienced family law attorney can help you evaluate whether you have grounds for modification, gather the necessary documentation, and present a compelling case to the court. Whether you're seeking to reduce your obligation or prevent an unfair reduction, legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome.

If your circumstances have changed substantially since your divorce was finalized, don't assume you're stuck with an outdated support order. Contact our office today for a confidential consultation with an experienced Syracuse divorce attorney to discuss your options and determine the best path forward for your situation.

For more details on the divorce process please visit our Divorce and Frequently Asked Questions pages

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and guidelines can change, so always verify with current statutes or a professional.