Change in income can make it difficult to pay child support and alimony

by | Mar 5, 2013 | Alimony, Firm News |

The decision to pursue a divorce can be a hard one to make. However, once couples have settled their divorce, they may realize that it was for the best. Unfortunately, people may be forced to deal with their divorce later on in life, especially if one spouse needs to make modifications to previously agreed upon child support and alimony payments.

Actor Brendan Fraser is struggling to stay current with his child support and alimony payments. He has asked a Connecticut judge to lower his monthly payments.

For the past four years, Fraser has been paying his former wife $75,000 a month. He says he isn’t making as much money as he used to. He is also dealing with other expenses such as $112,803 in monthly payments to his agents and other representatives.

Child support payments are often a necessary part of a divorce when couples have children together. In addition, alimony may be necessary when one spouse has given up their career to raise children.

In Connecticut, child support is calculated using a set of specific guidelines. However, as we mentioned in last week’s post, courts consider a variety of factors when determining whether or not and how much alimony should be awarded. Generally, alimony is awarded to one spouse when couples have been married for five years or more.

Life has a tendency to surprise people. Those surprises can be good and bad. The loss of a job or unexpected medical condition can make it difficult for someone to make a living for themselves. When that happens, a modification to current child support and alimony payments may be necessary.

Source: Starpulse.com, “Brendan Fraser Can No Longer Afford Alimony & Child Support Payments,” March 5, 2013

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