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Can I Change My Divorce Decree?

When most couples stand at the altar on their wedding day, they are not contemplating divorce. Yet divorce happens. Likewise, most divorcing couples believe that their court-sanctioned divorce is immutable and can never change. However, even divorce is not final.

Parents relocate, jobs are lost and gained, and former spouses remarry and build new families. These are just a few changes that can create seismic shifts in the relationships between ex-spouses and their children and radically change their obligations and rights towards each other.

Major life changes can make the circumstances of former spouses very different from the situation that existed at the time of the original divorce decree. The classic example is alimony. If the ex-wife who is receiving alimony remarries or moves in with someone else, New York law allows the husband to petition the court for the elimination of alimony payments. Similarly, if a child grows up, or a parent’s ability to visit the child has changed, the parties can petition the court to modify the divorce decree to fit the new circumstances and needs of the family.

The court generally changes the original court-approved parenting plan, or the child support amount, if there is a substantial change in circumstances that justifies modifying the decree. Typically, a justified modification relates to the best interests of the child or is required by justice.

If your life has changed and your original divorce decree seems unfair or inappropriate, a NY divorce lawyer at our office can help you. We review your case together and work for justice for you and your family.

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Randy  S.  Margulis Attorney Photo
Randy S. Margulis
Member

As a Buffalo divorce lawyer for 28 years, I have devoted myself to solving the problems that affect families throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York. As a family law attorney, I make it my goal to create a partnership of trust with my clients. People put their trust in me to handle cases that can potentially have a long-lasting impact on not only their lives, but the lives of their family as well.

Alexandra M. Rockwood Attorney Photo
Alexandra M. Rockwood
Senior Associate

Alexandra M. Rockwood is a Senior Associate Attorney with the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates and has been with the firm since early 2020. She primarily practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Alexandra is a practicing matrimonial and family law attorney as…

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    5.0/5.0

    Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...

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  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...

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    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Randy Margulis is knowledgable of Domestic Law, dedicated, responsive, personable, aggressive and effective. I came to him on a friend's recommendation as well as Randy's reputation, and during the initial consultation I liked his approach and track ...

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  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Found Mr. Margulis to be a very organized and professional individual to work with. He is well-respected by his peers and is spoken of highly, I believe this helped with my divorce and made things go smoothly. I would highly recommend his services ...

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  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Randy is very firm and effective in court while empathetic to his clients. I am a domestic violence victim, and Randy made me feel safe and protected. My financial award was more than I envisioned it to be when I started my divorce. I can't thank ...

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