How Does Remarriage Affect My Divorce?
Remarriage is becoming popular in Iowa and across the United States. Even after a divorce, it is still possible to find love and want to settle down again. However, before walking down the aisle with your new lover, it is vital to know how remarrying will affect your existing marital dissolution agreement or court decree. A competent Iowa family law attorney can help you understand the impact of remarriage on your divorce.
At Rieper Law P.C., I enjoy providing valuable legal advice and advocacy to individuals on family law matters, including divorce and remarriage. I'm available to discuss your personal situation and educate you about how remarriage will affect your existing spousal support, child support, and child custody arrangements. My firm is proud to serve clients across Des Moines, Madison County, Polk County, Story County, Jasper County, Warren County, and Dallas County, Iowa.
What Is Remarriage?
Remarriage is the process of entering another marital union after being previously married at least once. If your previous marriage fails, ends up in a divorce, or your spouse dies, you may consider remarrying.
How Remarriage Affects Existing Divorce Agreements
After a divorce, you will understand yourself better and know who you may be compatible with. As a result, you are less likely to make the mistakes you made in your previous relationship. However, remarriage can have an indirect or direct impact on existing divorce agreements. Here are some ways that remarrying may affect your alimony, child custody, or child support arrangements.
Impact of Remarriage on Alimony
In the state of Iowa, alimony or spousal support is usually awarded to help the unemployed or lower-wage-earning spouse cover their financial needs and become self-sustaining. However, depending on the terms of the support, alimony will not automatically terminate due to remarriage. If the divorce agreement doesn't address remarriage, either spouse can file a petition in court requesting that spousal support is modified or terminated.
Impact of Remarriage on Child Custody
In Iowa, child custody is usually awarded based on the best interest and welfare of the child. However, with a new adult figure in the child's life, remarriage may bring about notable changes in a child's home environment and lifestyle. Of the numerous possible scenarios, two stand out:
Scenario 1: If your new spouse is friendly, caring, and supportive to your kids, they will love your home environment, grow increasingly comfortable with your new spouse, and may want to spend more time with your new family. This scenario is best for everyone and may lead to more time for you with your kids.
Scenario 2: Conversely, if the new partner is hostile and hardly gets along with your children, they may find the new home environment uncomfortable or, worst-case scenario, unbearable. If you're a noncustodial parent, your children may not be willing to visit or spend time with your new family. Thus, your estranged partner may seek this opportunity to request a child custody modification.
Essentially, once the custodial parent remarries, often one of the parties seeks to have the court revisit the previous custodial arrangement.
Impact of Remarriage on Child Support
Though, remarriage doesn't directly affect child support. Regardless, remarrying can bring about other financial obligations that affect child support. For instance, changes in income, increased expenses due to a new child, or added medical expenses can affect the ability to pay child support. Any of these may be used as a reason to seek child support modifications.
If you believe that circumstances have changed due to your remarriage and want to modify existing alimony, child custody, or child support agreements, you need to speak with an experienced family law attorney immediately. Your lawyer can evaluate your specific situation thoroughly and help you make intelligent decisions that will be in your family's best interests.
Skilled & Compassionate Counsel
There is nothing wrong with finding love again after a divorce and remarrying. However, you need to know the resulting effects of remarriage on your existing alimony, child custody, and support arrangements. Therefore, consulting with an comprehensive divorce attorney is imperative for clear direction and to help you navigate significant decisions.
At Rieper Law P.C., I have the resources and understanding to direct and promote clients who are considering remarrying. As your attorney, I will review every detail of your specific circumstances and explore your available legal options. Above all, I will work meticulously to protect your legal rights, family's best interests, and future and help you in the best way possible.
Contact my firm – Rieper Law P.C. – today to schedule an easy consultation with a reliable divorce attorney. My firm is proud to serve clients across Des Moines, Madison County, Polk County, Story County, Jasper County, Warren County, and Dallas County, Iowa.