- Wills and Insurance Policies: be sure to update beneficiary information on wills, insurance policies, and any other policies or instruments which need to be made current.
- Bank Accounts and Credit Cards: make sure to update all account information and notify any companies or businesses that need to be updated.
- Modifications: child custody, support, and some forms alimony can be adjusted post-divorce if there has been a material change in circumstances. It is a good idea to touch base with your attorney at least once a year to notify him about how things are going and if circumstances have changed.
- Alimony: depending on the type of alimony you are paying, your alimony payment might be considered a taxable event - making it deductible for the payor and taxable income to the person receiving the alimony payment. Also alimony payments may be able to be modified if there is a significant change in income or expenses
- Child Support: child support lasts until each child reaches the age of majority, which in Mississippi is twenty-one. Support may also end if a child marries, becomes self-supporting, or is emancipated. Additionally, child support payments may be modified if there is a change in circumstances - such as a drastic change in income or expenses.
- Contempt: Failure of either party to comply with the divorce decree is punishable by contempt. Failure to make child support or alimony payments on time can result in a contempt action that could ultimately land the guilty party in jail. If you owe alimony or child support and are unable to pay, contact a divorce lawyer before you fall behind. Keep in mind that missed payments can not be modified or forgiven.
- Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right: The court expects both parties to comply with the divorce order. The court is less likely to come to your assistance if you have failed to comply with the order in retaliation for your former spouse's non-compliance. So if your former spouse fails to make a support payment or an alimony payment, do not deny them visitation. Continue to comply with your obligations under the divorce order and contact your attorney about remedying the situation.
- If You Are Paying Child Support or Alimony and need to adjust your payments because of a job loss or reduction in wages: do not agree with your spouse verbally or in writing outside of court. Only the court change an order of the court, and there is a high likelihood that your out of court agreement won't hold up in court. Which may leave you on the hook for tens of thousands in unpaid support or alimony payments, even though you thought you had an agreement.
- Custody: child custody can be modified if there has been a material change in circumstances which adversely affects the child. Contact a family law attorney if the custodial parent has become physically or mentally abusive, has a problem with alcohol or drug use, or has a new live-in boyfriend or girlfriend.
- Visitation: arrangements can be changed if the current schedule is not working or if new circumstances develop - like a new job or a change to your work schedule.
- Moving: Mississippi law requires each party to file a change of address with the chancery court clerk. Moving a residence is a significant event. Failing to get a change to the court order by a custodial parent prior to moving could potentially result in a loss of custody. If you are considering a move contact your lawyer first.
- Document Everything: whether you are paying or receiving support or alimony - document everything. Having a contemporaneous record can be a great asset if you have to return to court. Payors always pay by check, or at least get a cash receipt. Also maintaining records of expenses, such as a child's medical bills, is essential if seeking reimbursement. Additionally, keeping track of missed visitation, failure to attend a child's events, etc. can be helpful should a custody or visitation issue develop.
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