Update to:
“What Changes in Circumstances Are Necessary
for [Spousal Support] Modification?”
Print version at page 188
E-Book version at approximately 71%
A December 2014 decision by The Connecticut Supreme Court regarding spousal support modification illustrates how matrimonial law is constantly evolving.[1]
The law of Connecticut is among the examples listed on p. 188 to illustrate the kinds of requirements necessary to obtain modification of spousal support. In Connecticut, that requirement is a “substantial change in circumstances.” Those changes have typically involved a significant increase in the payor’s income, a significant decrease in the recipient’s income, a significant increase in the recipient’s needs, or some combination of two or more of those factors.
The Connecticut Supreme Court, however, ruled that “ …an increase in income, standing alone, does not justify the modification of an alimony award.” That decision came as quite a surprise to Connecticut matrimonial lawyers who’ve been getting spousal support modifications on the sole basis that the payor’s income had substantially increased.
The moral? Make sure to check with a local matrimonial lawyer about key legal principles that might impact your case—even seemingly “well-settled” principles.
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[1] Dan v. Dan, 315 Conn. 1 (2014)
