After a divorce, life does not stay frozen in place. Jobs change, incomes rise or fall and financial circumstances can look very different from when the court first issued the spousal support order. If you learn that your former spouse recently received a raise, it is natural to wonder whether that change could affect the support arrangement. Here’s what to know.
Ohio courts allow support changes only in certain situations
In Ohio, a court can change spousal support only in certain situations. The divorce order must allow future changes, and there must be a significant change in circumstances. Many divorce orders include language that allows the court to revisit support later if finances change. Without that language, the order may stay fixed even if someone’s income later changes.
A raise may count as a change in circumstances
A significant increase in income can sometimes qualify as a change that allows a court to review spousal support. For example, if your former spouse receives a substantial promotion or salary increase, the court may look at whether the current support arrangement still reflects each person’s financial reality. The key question is whether the change meaningfully alters the balance that existed when the order was first issued.
Courts review the full financial picture
A pay raise does not automatically mean the court will change spousal support. Judges often look at the broader financial picture before making adjustments. That may include each person’s income, living expenses, earning ability and the circumstances that existed when the original order was entered.
When it may be time to review spousal support
If your former spouse’s income has increased significantly, the current support order may no longer reflect the financial picture that existed at the time of divorce. A family law attorney can review the order and help determine whether asking to modify your spousal support makes sense. When circumstances change, it’s natural to want the arrangement to reflect that.