How Does Remarriage Affect Your Divorce?
Nov. 15, 2022
Life is full of many ups and downs. Notwithstanding the outcome of your previous relationships, you may find love and want to give marriage another try. However, remarriage can have different effects on your divorce agreement, including spousal support, child custody, visitation schedule, and child support agreements. An experienced Louisiana family law attorney can inform you about what remarriage means for your existing divorce arrangements.
At the Law Office of Ivy L. Graham, we are committed to advising and directing individuals and families through the complexities of remarrying after a divorce. Our knowledgeable attorney will be available to discuss your personal situation and educate you about how remarrying affects your alimony, child custody, and child support arrangements. We're proud to serve clients across Denham Springs, Albany, Colyell, Livingston, and Holden, Louisiana.
What Is Remarriage?
Remarriage is the process of getting married once again after being married at least once before. A person may decide to remarry after:
Your previous marital union ends in a divorce, or
The death of your spouse.
Depending on the surrounding circumstances, remarrying after a divorce can directly or indirectly affect your existing divorce arrangements, including alimony, child custody, or support orders.
Impact of Remarriage on Alimony
In a divorce case, alimony or spousal support is awarded to provide financial assistance to the unemployed or lower-earning spouse for a period during or after the divorce. Under Louisiana laws, alimony will automatically terminate once the supported spouse remarries. Conversely, alimony does not stop when the paying spouse gets into another relationship or remarries.
Impact of Remarriage on Child Support
Furthermore, child support agreements are often established to cater to the financial needs of the children and pay for their living expenses after the divorce. Though, remarriage and having a new child can bring about additional expenses and family obligations. Regardless, it is still the responsibility of the parent to support their child financially. Hence, the parent must continue paying child support until they file a petition to modify or adjust the child support amounts.
Impact of Remarriage on Child Custody
Additionally, remarrying after a divorce can bring about massive changes in the child's home environment and lifestyle. With another adult figure now in the child's life, remarriage can affect child custody in any of the following ways:
Scenario 1: If the new spouse is friendly, loving, and caring, your children will find the home environment more comfortable and conducive. You can use this opportunity to request more custody or parenting time from the Louisiana court.
Scenario 2: Conversely, if the new spouse is irresponsible, dangerous, or hostile towards the children from a previous marriage, they are likely to find the home environment unpleasant. Unfortunately, this may have a negative impact on visitation rights. Also, your ex-spouse (your child's other parent) may seek a modification of child custody.
Look to an Understanding Attorney
When thinking about remarriage, getting detailed guidance and advocacy from an experienced family law attorney is imperative to understand its potential impact on your divorce agreements. At the Law Office of Ivy L. Graham, we have the practice, understanding, and resources to direct and advise individuals who are considering remarrying after a divorce.
As your attorney, we can analyze all of the facts of your specific circumstances and determine whether you should seek a modification of the existing divorce arrangements. In addition, we will work diligently to address your needs and concerns and decide the best way to protect your family's best interests and future.
Contact the Law Office of Ivy L. Graham today to arrange a simple consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer. Our seasoned attorney has the dependable advocacy, support, and trusted legal guidance you need to make informed decisions in your familial matters. We're proud to serve clients across Denham Springs, Albany, Colyell, Livingston, and Holden, Louisiana.