Spousal Support Modification

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Spousal Support Modification?

Our lawyers are ready to help with your spousal support modification case.

When can I modify an Oregon spousal support award?

In Oregon, parties may request that spousal support (sometimes referred to as "alimony" in other states) be modified any time there has been a "substantial and unanticipated change" in the financial conditions or one or both parties. For example, when one of the parties has a substantial loss of income from a job loss, gains new employment, is impacted by health conditions changing their ability to work, or even remarriage.

What is the purpose of the spousal support?

Before a family law judge modifies an award of spousal support, there first must be a determination that the underlying goal for the original award of spousal support has been met. For example, suppose the purpose of spousal support was to allow a spouse to obtain training in a new career. In that case, the court must determine that the spouse has received the certification or school training that the award of spousal support anticipated before modifying or terminating support. Modifying Oregon spousal support is a fact-specific type of case. You should discuss your circumstances with an Oregon spousal support modification attorney to determine whether your case is one where the change would be appropriate.

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Spousal Support Modification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Can spousal support be modified in Oregon?
Yes, spousal support can be modified in Oregon if there is a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered.
What qualifies as a 'substantial change in circumstances'?
A substantial change may include job loss, significant increase or decrease in income, retirement, disability, or an unexpected financial hardship for either party.
How do I request a modification of my spousal support order?
To request a modification, you must file a motion to modify with the court that issued the original spousal support order and serve it on your former spouse. The court will then schedule a hearing to review the case and make a decision.
Can I modify my spousal support agreement without going to court?
If both parties agree to the modification and meet all requirements, they may submit their revised agreement for approval by the court without attending a hearing.
How long does it take for an Oregon Spousal Support Modification request to be processed?
The time frame can vary depending on factors such as court schedules and whether both parties agree on the modification; however, it typically takes several months for requests to be processed.
Can I seek retroactive modifications of spousal support orders?
Oregon courts generally do not grant retroactive modifications; however, exceptions may be made in certain circumstances, such as when a party was unable to request a modification due to disability or extreme hardship.
What happens if my former spouse doesn't agree with my request for modification?
If your former spouse disagrees with your request, you will have to present evidence supporting your claim of changed circumstances at a hearing before the judge decides whether or not to grant your request.
Is there any limit on how often I can seek modifications of spousal support orders in Oregon?
There is no specific limit; however, courts are unlikely to repeatedly modify orders unless there are ongoing significant changes in circumstances justifying such modifications.


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Useful Oregon Statutes For
Spousal Support Modification

Ex Parte Temporary Custody Or Parenting Time Orders


ORS 107.097(2)

...

(a) A party may apply to a court for a temporary protective order of restraint by filing with the court an affidavit or a declaration under penalty of perjury in the form required by ORCP 1 E, conforming to the requirements of ORS 109.767. (b) Upon receipt of an application under this subsection, the court may issue a temporary protective order of restraint restraining and enjoining each party from:

(A) Changing the child’s usual place of residence;

(B) Interfering with the present placement and daily schedule of the child;

(C) Hiding or secreting the child from the other party;

(D) Interfering with the other party’s usual contact and parenting time with the child;

(E) Leaving the state with the child without the written permission of the other party or the permission of the court; or

(F) In any manner disturbing the current schedule and daily routine of the child until custody or parenting time has been determined.


Read Full Text: ORS 107.097

Parenting Plan


(1) In any proceeding to establish or modify a judgment providing for parenting time with a child, except for matters filed under ORS 107.700 (Short title) to 107.735 (Duties of State Court Administrator), there shall be developed and filed with the court a parenting plan to be included in the judgment. A parenting plan may be either general or detailed.

(2) A general parenting plan may include a general outline of how parental responsibilities and parenting time will be shared and may allow the parents to develop a more detailed agreement on an informal basis. However, a general parenting plan must set forth the minimum amount of parenting time and access a noncustodial parent is entitled to have.

(3) A detailed parenting plan may include, but need not be limited to, provisions relating to:

(a) Residential schedule;

(b) Holiday, birthday and vacation planning;

(c) Weekends, including holidays, and school in-service days preceding or following weekends;

(d) Decision-making and responsibility;

(e) Information sharing and access;

(f) Relocation of parents;

(g) Telephone access;

(h) Transportation; and

(i) Methods for resolving disputes.


Read Full Text: ORS 107.102

Provisions Of Judgment


ORS 107.105 is a huge statute that provides detailed provisions governing not only the provisions of a divorce or separation judgment but also provisions regarding attorney fees. Rather than quote select parts, the statute may be reviewed in its entirety at the link below.


Read Full Text: ORS 107.105

Vacation Or Modification Of Judgment


(1) The court may at any time after a judgment of annulment or dissolution of marriage or of separation is granted, upon the motion of either party and after service of notice on the other party in the manner provided by ORCP 7, and after notice to the Division of Child Support when required under subsection (9) of this section:

(a) Set aside, alter or modify any portion of the judgment that provides for the appointment and duties of trustees, for the custody, parenting time, visitation, support and welfare of the minor children and the children attending school, as defined in ORS 107.108 (Support or maintenance for child attending school), including any health or life insurance provisions, for the support of a party or for life insurance under ORS 107.820 (Support order as insurable interest) or 107.830 (Physical examination may be ordered);

(b) Make an order, after service of notice to the other party, providing for the future custody, support and welfare of minor children residing in the state, who, at the time the judgment was given, were not residents of the state, or were unknown to the court or were erroneously omitted from the judgment;

(c) Terminate a duty of support toward any minor child who has become self-supporting, emancipated or married;

(d) After service of notice on the child in the manner provided by law for service of a summons, suspend future support for any child who has ceased to be a child attending school as defined in ORS 107.108 (Support or maintenance for child attending school); and

(e) Set aside, alter or modify any portion of the judgment that provides for a property award based on the enhanced earning capacity of a party that was awarded before October 23, 1999. A property award may be set aside, altered or modified under this paragraph.

...


Read Full Text: ORS 107.135

Factors Considered In Determining Custody Of Child


(1) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, in determining custody of a minor child under ORS 107.105 (Provisions of judgment) or 107.135 (Vacation or modification of judgment), the court shall give primary consideration to the best interests and welfare of the child. In determining the best interests and welfare of the child, the court shall consider the following relevant factors:

(a) The emotional ties between the child and other family members;

(b) The interest of the parties in and attitude toward the child;

(c) The desirability of continuing an existing relationship;

(d) The abuse of one parent by the other;

(e) The preference for the primary caregiver of the child, if the caregiver is deemed fit by the court; and

(f) The willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the other parent and the child. However, the court may not consider such willingness and ability if one parent shows that the other parent has sexually assaulted or engaged in a pattern of behavior of abuse against the parent or a child and that a continuing relationship with the other parent will endanger the health or safety of either parent or the child.

...


Read Full Text: ORS 107.137

Proceeding To Determine Custody Or Support Of Child


(1) If a child is born to an unmarried person and parentage has been established under ORS 109.065 (Establishing parentage), or if a child is born to a married person by a person other than the birth mother’s spouse and parentage between the person and the child has been established under ORS 109.065 (Establishing parentage), either parent may initiate a civil proceeding to determine the custody or support of, or parenting time with, the child. The proceeding shall be brought in the circuit court of the county in which the child resides or is found or in the circuit court of the county in which either parent resides. The parents have the same rights and responsibilities regarding the custody and support of, and parenting time with, their child that married or divorced parents would have, and the provisions of ORS 107.094 (Forms for restraining order and request for hearing) to 107.449 (Transfer of proceeding under ORS 107.135 to auxiliary court) that relate to custody, support and parenting time, the provisions of ORS 107.755 (Court-ordered mediation) to 107.795 (Availability of other remedies) that relate to mediation procedures, and the provisions of ORS 107.810 (Policy), 107.820 (Support order as insurable interest) and 107.830 (Physical examination may be ordered) that relate to life insurance, apply to the proceeding.

...


Read Full Text: ORS 109.103

Services

Pacific Family Law Firm is focused on one area of law: family law. From divorces to child support to spousal support to custody modifications, we're ready to help. Whether your your case has been open for years and is having a judgment modified, or if you have never had an attorney before and are just figuring out how to proceed with a divorce or other family change, we will take care of you.

Oregon Family Law & Divorce Blog

At Pacific Family Law Firm in Oregon, staying current on the latest developments in Oregon divorce and family law topics is a top priority. Our firm maintains a policy of "information first" for the client, so we make every effort to share information with the public and clients. Our blog covers topics from the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that Oregon family law Attorneys encounter to news headlines that impact Oregon families. If there is a topic you would like to see covered, let us know, and we'll add it to our list of subject matter!

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What is Oregon Family Law?

“Oregon Family law” is an umbrella term that refers to the practice of law that involves common domestic and family issues. While it is often associated with Oregon divorce, "family law" covers far more.

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What lawyers handle restraining orders?

Family law cases commonly have allegations or components of domestic violence, which is why family law lawyers routinely handle restraining order matters. Additionally, criminal defense attorneys also commonly help clients with restraining order cases, as domestic violence may have associated criminal charges associated.

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Paying and Receiving Child Support in Oregon: What You Need to Know

The Oregon Child Support Calculator is a tool that uses a set of guidelines to determine the "presumptively correct" amount of child support a parent is to pay or receive. The calculator considers factors such as the gross income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the amount of parenting time each parent has. Although the amount given by the calculator is considered presumptively correct, the Court has the authority to adjust the final amount based on other factors. In Oregon, child support is mainly paid through payroll deduction, but other payment methods are available.

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