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Embracing Peace

Resolving Spousal Support And Alimony Modifications With Dignity

Your family’s circumstances at the time of initial divorce proceedings will be reflected in your divorce agreements, but what happens when those circumstances change? You or your spouse may get remarried. You may get a new job. You may move out of state or have a dramatic change in living standards.

As your life changes, so should spousal maintenance (also known as spousal support or alimony). At Akiona Law, PLLC, our team can help you make upward or downward modifications to these agreements so that your financial stability is protected even years after your divorce is finalized.

Our attorneys focus on alternative dispute resolution methods including negotiation, mediation and collaborative law. In our experience, people benefit from using these types of dispute resolution techniques. Going to court takes considerable time and money. Plus, you may end up in very contentious arguments with your ex-spouse. You can avoid or greatly reduce these unpleasant aspects of modifications and move on with your life more quickly if you do not go to court.

It Is Better To Modify Agreements Than Fail To Meet Your Obligations

Remember your support agreements are a legal obligation. If you fail to make court-ordered support payments, you could face serious consequences. It is always best to bring forward information about financial hardships or increases in wealth that may influence your ability to meet your legal obligations.

Upward modifications of spousal maintenance may be made if the supported spouse’s contributions during marriage facilitated the paying spouse’s earning potential, and the paying spouse has experienced a substantial increase in income, or if the supported spouse has developed increased needs (such as those related to health care or employment issues).

Downward modifications of spousal maintenance may be made if the supporting spouse has experienced financial hardships (such as those related to job loss or health care issues), or if the supported spouse remarries and/or otherwise has a substantial increase in income or living standards.

Spousal support is often a highly contentious issue for divorced couples because one party may feel like he or she is being taken advantage of in the process. It is important to keep a level head during these proceedings and as your divorce team, we can help you do so. We will strive to use mediation and negotiation, when appropriate. If that is not right for your case, we will tell you. We will take the time to advise you of your rights and responsibilities and the ways different decisions can affect you differently.

Discuss Your Case With A Team Of Attorneys Who Can Explain Your Options

Contact us online or by telephone at 425-740-2209 to arrange an initial consultation and learn more about your obligations in spousal support (alimony) modifications. Serving clients from Everett and Snohomish County and Seattle and King County.

Our Testimonials

"I would recommend this firm in a heartbeat. In tough times, the firm reassured me and handled the big things along with the small. You guys have been awesome. I could not have asked for a better person to represent me. Thanks Lani and of course, all of the staff there. You guys have been top notch."

– T.N., Everett, WA

"Thank you all for the support and guidance that you gave me these past couple years! I wouldn't have been able to navigate this entire process without the Akiona Law team."

– Britney, Snohomish County client

"I wanted to thank everyone at Akiona Law for helping me out with my case and helping with receiving the best representation I can possibly get. Everyone was honest, upfront, and helpful with my situation and always gave straightforward advice on how to handle each situation."

– Cherry, Snohomish County

"The Akiona Law Team is professional, honest, reliable and knowledgeable! I’ve used them many times over the years and they’ve always helped me through my legal needs. They are responsive and provide me with information and options at every turn in my case so I feel fully informed and comfortable before taking the next step. I’d refer Akiona Law to family and friends in a heartbeat!"

– C.W.

"Everyone at Akiona Law, thank you so much for your help on my case! I so appreciate all the work that you've done!"

– Snohomish County, divorce client

“Going through a divorce is never easy, and mine was particularly challenging for several reasons. However, the team at Akiona Law was a beacon of support throughout the entire process.
They were incredibly patient and understanding, even when I was stressed and emotional. (Let's just say, I wasn't always the easiest client to deal with!) Special thanks to Beckie, the paralegal, whose calm demeanor kept me grounded during a very crazy time.
I truly appreciate the hard work and dedication of the entire Akiona Law team. They made a difficult situation much more manageable. I highly recommend!“

- Kevin, Everett, WA