A decree for alimony is res judicata only as long as the circumstances remain the same as when the court rendered the decree. The doctrine of res judicata is based on the concept that parties should not call upon a court to adjudicate twice the same set of facts. Therefore, a party generally cannot base a motion to modify an order for alimony on the same set of facts that existed when the original order was made.
To justify a modification of an alimony order, a court must find that there has been a change in the material circumstances of the parties since the time of the original order. The burden of proving a change of circumstances is on the party seeking the modification.
This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. This motion can be filed by the plaintiff or the respondent and is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.
A South Carolina Motion to Modify or Amend Divorce Decree to Provide for Reduction in Alimony Due to Involuntary Termination of Job or Employment is a legal process that allows an individual to request a reduction or modification in their alimony payments if they have experienced an involuntary termination of their job or employment. This type of motion can provide relief for individuals who are unable to meet their alimony obligations due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. Key Points to Consider: 1. Involuntary Termination: The motion to modify or amend the divorce decree becomes relevant when an individual loses their job or employment involuntarily. This can happen due to various reasons such as downsizing, company closure, or restructuring. It is important to establish that the termination was not a voluntary decision made by the individual seeking a reduction in their alimony payments. 2. Divorce Decree: The motion focuses on modifying or amending the existing divorce decree that outlines the terms and conditions of alimony payments. It is crucial to provide detailed information about the original divorce decree, including the specific provisions related to alimony. 3. Alimony Reduction: The main objective of this motion is to request a reduction in alimony payments to reflect the change in financial circumstances resulting from the involuntary termination of employment. The court will consider various factors such as the paying spouse's ability to pay, the receiving spouse's financial needs, and any other relevant circumstances. 4. Demonstrating Good Faith: The individual seeking the reduction in alimony must demonstrate good faith efforts to find new employment and mitigate their financial loss. This can include providing evidence of job search activities, applications submitted, interviews attended, and retraining or education efforts that have been made to enhance employability. 5. Temporary or Permanent Modification: Depending on the circumstances, the motion can request either a temporary or permanent modification of alimony payments. A temporary modification is typically sought while the individual searches for a new job or undergoes retraining, while a permanent reduction is sought when it is clear that the job loss will have a long-term impact on their financial situation. Types of South Carolina Motion to Modify or Amend Divorce Decree to Provide for Reduction in Alimony Due to Involuntary Termination of Job or Employment: 1. Motion for Temporary Reduction of Alimony: This motion seeks a temporary reduction in alimony payments until the individual can secure new employment or stabilize their financial situation. 2. Motion for Permanent Reduction of Alimony: This motion seeks a permanent reduction in alimony payments due to the lasting effects of the involuntary termination of employment on the paying spouse's financial circumstances. 3. Motion to Suspend Alimony: In some cases, the individual may request a complete suspension of alimony payments until they can find new employment and restore their financial stability. 4. Motion to Modify Alimony Payment Schedule: This motion focuses on modifying the payment schedule in response to the changed financial circumstances resulting from the involuntary termination of employment. Note: It is important to consult with a family law attorney who specializes in divorce and alimony matters to understand the specific requirements and processes involved in filing a motion to modify or amend a divorce decree for alimony reduction in South Carolina.A South Carolina Motion to Modify or Amend Divorce Decree to Provide for Reduction in Alimony Due to Involuntary Termination of Job or Employment is a legal process that allows an individual to request a reduction or modification in their alimony payments if they have experienced an involuntary termination of their job or employment. This type of motion can provide relief for individuals who are unable to meet their alimony obligations due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. Key Points to Consider: 1. Involuntary Termination: The motion to modify or amend the divorce decree becomes relevant when an individual loses their job or employment involuntarily. This can happen due to various reasons such as downsizing, company closure, or restructuring. It is important to establish that the termination was not a voluntary decision made by the individual seeking a reduction in their alimony payments. 2. Divorce Decree: The motion focuses on modifying or amending the existing divorce decree that outlines the terms and conditions of alimony payments. It is crucial to provide detailed information about the original divorce decree, including the specific provisions related to alimony. 3. Alimony Reduction: The main objective of this motion is to request a reduction in alimony payments to reflect the change in financial circumstances resulting from the involuntary termination of employment. The court will consider various factors such as the paying spouse's ability to pay, the receiving spouse's financial needs, and any other relevant circumstances. 4. Demonstrating Good Faith: The individual seeking the reduction in alimony must demonstrate good faith efforts to find new employment and mitigate their financial loss. This can include providing evidence of job search activities, applications submitted, interviews attended, and retraining or education efforts that have been made to enhance employability. 5. Temporary or Permanent Modification: Depending on the circumstances, the motion can request either a temporary or permanent modification of alimony payments. A temporary modification is typically sought while the individual searches for a new job or undergoes retraining, while a permanent reduction is sought when it is clear that the job loss will have a long-term impact on their financial situation. Types of South Carolina Motion to Modify or Amend Divorce Decree to Provide for Reduction in Alimony Due to Involuntary Termination of Job or Employment: 1. Motion for Temporary Reduction of Alimony: This motion seeks a temporary reduction in alimony payments until the individual can secure new employment or stabilize their financial situation. 2. Motion for Permanent Reduction of Alimony: This motion seeks a permanent reduction in alimony payments due to the lasting effects of the involuntary termination of employment on the paying spouse's financial circumstances. 3. Motion to Suspend Alimony: In some cases, the individual may request a complete suspension of alimony payments until they can find new employment and restore their financial stability. 4. Motion to Modify Alimony Payment Schedule: This motion focuses on modifying the payment schedule in response to the changed financial circumstances resulting from the involuntary termination of employment. Note: It is important to consult with a family law attorney who specializes in divorce and alimony matters to understand the specific requirements and processes involved in filing a motion to modify or amend a divorce decree for alimony reduction in South Carolina.