How to Modify a Divorce Decree
Divorce is one of the most difficult decisions that anyone ever has to make. In most cases, the months between making the decision and making the agreements included in the final divorce, are likely to be filled with pain, anger, doubt and regret. Many people find themselves simply agreeing to whatever it takes to settle the divorce as quickly as possible. It is only later that circumstances change, or decisions that seemed fair at first, turn out to be not so fair after all. When this happens, you might find it in your best interests or the interests of your children, to have your divorce agreement modified.
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Instructions
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The first thing you need to do is go online, or to your local library to find out what the specific laws are for your state in regards to divorce. Each state has different rules and processes for every step of the divorce procedure.Take down notes for the relevant information you need. Once you know what your options are, you can move on to step 2.
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Contact the Clerk of Family Courts in the county where your divorce finalized, to determine what forms you need and how to get them. You should be able to have them mailed, or pick them up yourself if that would be convenient for you.
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The forms that you will need might include a Petition To Modify, Financial Affidavit, Official Declarations, Sworn Statements, Proof Of Social Security Number, a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, Mediation Affidavit and Motion For Modification. Make sure that you have every required form filled out completely and accurately.
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Once you have all of the correct forms filled out, make a copy for your own records.
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File the original copy of the legal forms with the Clerk of Family Courts in the county you were divorced in.
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Tips & Warnings
Nearly every state in the U.S. has free or low cost legal assistance available for people who need it. Contact your local community resource facility to find out what options are offered in your state or city. You may be able to have an attorney help you with your modification issues.
This article should only be considered a guide; it is not intended to replace legal consultation.
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Comments
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Janice White
Oct 16, 2010
I want to modify a divorce decree to add my vehicle VIN to the settlement. The DMV will not allow me to register my car without the VIN in the divorce decree. The only assistance I can find on line is for modifying for child support. Can I use the same format just replace the information about the child support with the info about the vehicle?
