When Life Changes, So Can Your Divorce Agreement: Understanding Modifications

Episode Summary: In this episode of Navigating the End of a Marriage, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with experienced divorce attorney Anne Johnson to discuss post-divorce modifications. Life changes—such as job loss, disability, or a child's evolving needs—may require revisiting a divorce agreement. Anne explains the legal grounds for modifications, the challenges involved, and when it’s worth pursuing. They also discuss the emotional and financial complexities of these cases and the importance of having "clean hands" when bringing issues before the court.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Navigating the End of a Marriage
• 00:05 – Meet attorney Anne Johnson: expertise in divorce and modifications
• 00:31 – What qualifies as grounds for modifying a divorce agreement?
• 01:33 – Property and debt modifications: when they’re possible
• 03:00 – Common financial reasons for modification: job loss, disability, child’s expenses
• 04:27 – How child custody modifications work and legal standards involved
• 05:52 – The financial burden of modifications and when it’s worth it
• 07:00 – If both parents agree, do you need a court order?
• 08:01 – The legal process: filing a motion to modify and starting a new case
• 10:33 – The emotional and financial risks of pursuing a modification
• 12:34 – How Anne advises clients on whether a modification is worth pursuing
• 14:50 – When modifications are more about winning than fairness
• 15:31 – Closing thoughts and where to connect with Anne Johnson

About the Show: Navigating the End of a Marriage is a podcast dedicated to guiding individuals through the complexities of divorce and post-divorce legal matters. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring expert attorney Anne Johnson, the show provides practical legal insights and emotional support for those facing the challenges of separation.