Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Re: Spousal Support/Modification/Termination

"Changed circumstances that are substantial and continuing" is the situation you must prove to a court to get your support order modified. As you might guess, not all changes in your life count. The kinds of changes usually considered for modification are generally involuntary changes, e.g. changes you didn't have control over that impact your ability to make payments over the long-run, like chronic illness, involuntary long-term joblessness, involuntary pay-cut, long-term disability or injury, etc.

If you have had a serious life change that makes it very difficult for you to make support payments, both you and your ex may want to avoid the court and legal fees involved in a modification effort and attempt to mediate the support issues. Mediation is the use of a neutral third party who is specially trained in conflict and dispute skills, and can help you work together to come up with a better support plan. You can then take the agreement and have it entered with the court, without incurring large expenses. I am a lawyer-mediator, and would be happy to answer any questions you might have about mediation. If you decide to take the traditional legal route, you can go to the court's self-help center, or hire an attorney to file the necessary paperwork. If you would like a lawyer referral, please feel free to ask. I work with several whom I consider to be highly skilled and fairly price. You can also learn more about mediation on my web site, at www.yesmediation.com or feel free to e-mail me with your questions.