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Legal issues that can arise after your divorce is final

On Behalf of | Jun 29, 2022 | Divorce

Finalizing a divorce can take an incredible amount of work and time. It is indeed a milestone worth acknowledging, but it is crucial to know that legal issues can still crop up after the court grants your divorce.

Custody and support modifications

Things change over time, and the agreements you reach in your divorce may not hold up over time. If you have child support, custody or spousal support orders in place, they may require review and modification.

Often, post-divorce modifications are appropriate when there are substantial changes in your circumstances. Some examples of this might include:

  • Job loss
  • Relocation
  • Remarriage
  • Serious illness
  • Acts of family violence
  • Changes in a child’s preference or needs
  • Changes in a parent’s capabilities

These scenarios could necessitate changes so that a court order remains fair and aligns with individuals’ best interests.

Enforcement actions

If you or your ex is not complying with court orders after divorce, there can be harsh legal consequences. 

For instance, failing to pay child or spousal support can result in aggressive enforcement actions, such as: 

  • License suspensions
  • Liens
  • Financial penalties
  • Contempt of court

There are also consequences for non-compliance with property division elements of a divorce decree, such as failing to sell something or deliver property. Under these circumstances, Texas laws permit enforcement actions, including lawsuits, damages and motions for contempt.

Remarriage and relocation

In some cases, getting remarried or moving may not have any impact on an ex. However, if you share a child or pay or receive spousal support, there could be legal issues that you must address.

Remarriage could trigger the end of a spousal support arrangement. And if you or your ex wants to relocate with your child, the relocating party typically must get permission from the other parent or the courts before doing so. 

In other words, life events can have legal implications if you and your ex are still connected through support or your children.

Prepare for life after divorce

Knowing that these issues may arise can minimize the unpleasantness of a surprise. It can also help you prepare accordingly. Anticipating these and other potential matters affords you the opportunity to get organized and retain information that could prove to be valuable in the future.