Most divorce proceedings can be stressful and emotional for both spouses and their children. It may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But, good or bad, it will finish. The day will come when your divorce is final and all terms have been agreed upon by both you and your spouse. Then what? What should you expect? This article discusses what you should expect after your divorce is final – both the good and the bad.
Understanding the issues that you might face after your divorce becomes final will give you, your ex-spouse and your children, if you have any, a better handling in accepting life after divorce.
What Happens After My Divorce is Final
After, what may seem like a long battle, your divorce is now final. You can finally move on and start a new chapter in your life.
However, just because you are officially and legally divorced, it does not mean that you never have to deal with issues pertaining to your previous married life.
Even after your judgment of divorce is final, problems arise and in most cases still do. Two of the most common post-judgment issues you may face are discussed below:
Modification
Although both you and your ex have come to terms with certain issues and the judge has granted the Judgment or Order based on those agreements, it does not mean it is written in stone. A divorce can be modified if either party can prove there has been a “material change in circumstance” since the Judgment or Order. Modifications to divorces generally happen with regard to children and finances. In order for a judge to legally modify the terms of the judgment or order, the moving party must prove there has been a substantial change.
Contempt
When a judge orders the final Judgment, it is expected that both spouses will obey the terms of that order. If either party does not follow the terms of the divorce and fails to comply with the Judgement, he or she could be found in contempt of court and be ordered to pay a fine. In cases that involve a serious deviation from the order, the court can even find the party in criminal contempt and order jail time.
Call an Experienced Central Valley Divorce Attorney
If you are involved in a divorce proceeding, planning to file for divorce, or are dealing with the aftermath of a finalized divorce, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced family law attorney to help you learn your legal rights and options with respect to the division of your assets.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Central Valley family law attorney Gurjit Srai, please call (209) 323-5558 or (559) 314-2796, or complete our online form.