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How Does Remarriage Affect Your Divorce?

Oct. 25, 2021

Remarriage is a growing trend in the United States. As humans, we have a desire to find companionship and love, regardless of the outcomes of our previous unions. According to Pew Research Center, among all adults who are presently married, about one-fourth (23%) have been married before. When thinking about remarriage, you need to understand how it will impact your existing divorce arrangements, including alimony, child custody, and child support agreements.

At Iwanyshyn & Associates, our attorneys have devoted their careers to providing outstanding legal services and guiding clients in divorce and remarriage-related matters. We're available to discuss your unique situation and help you understand the impact of remarriage on your existing divorce agreements. As experienced Pennsylvania family law attorneys, we can offer you the detailed legal counsel and brilliant advocacy you need to make informed decisions. Our firm proudly serves clients throughout Allison Park, Cranberry, Pittsburgh, Gibsonia, and Wexford, Pennsylvania.

What Is Remarriage?

Remarriage involves getting married again after you've been married at least once previously. Someone may remarry following a divorce or widowhood. Depending on the surrounding circumstances, remarrying can have a direct or indirect effect on existing alimony, child support, or custody arrangements.

Impact on Alimony

In a Pennsylvania divorce case, alimony – the court-ordered financial provision by a spouse to their estranged spouse – is often awarded to help the lower- or non-earning spouse cover their financial needs. However, spousal support doesn't last forever and automatically terminates once the supported spouse remarries. As soon as the paying spouse is aware of the remarriage, he or she can file a petition requesting the termination of alimony.

Impact on Child Support

The noncustodial parent is often ordered by the Pennsylvania court to make child support payments. This will be used to maintain the child's standard of living and cater to the child's needs. Remarriage doesn't directly qualify as a "substantial change of circumstances" needed to modify a child support agreement. However, remarriage can bring about different situations, such as a new child or reduced expenses due to the new spouse's income. Any of these may result in child support modifications.

Impact on Child Custody

Remarriage may lead to significant changes in a child's lifestyle and home environment since there is now a new adult figure in their life. However, there are two possible scenarios here:

Scenario 1: If your new partner is kind, friendly, and supportive to your children, they will find your home environment more conducive. You can leverage this to request more custody time from the Pennsylvania court.

Scenario 2: If the new spouse is irresponsible, abusive, and doesn't get along with your kids, they may find the new home environment unlikable. Unfortunately, your kids may refuse to visit you if you're a noncustodial parent. As a result, your ex-spouse (the custodial parent) can file a petition seeking child custody modification.

However, in an ideal situation, remarriage won't affect parenting time. An experienced attorney can evaluate your unique situation and help you navigate key decisions.

Getting the Experienced Legal Guidance You Need

As you take a chance on another relationship, it is important that you understand the impacts to your existing spousal support, child custody, and support agreements. At Iwanyshyn & Associates, our attorneys are committed to providing knowledgeable guidance and reliable advocacy to clients who are considering remarriage. As your legal counsel, we can evaluate the surrounding details of your unique situation and enlighten you about your possible legal options. Using our in-depth understanding of the laws surrounding remarriage and alimony, child custody, child support, or visitation periods, our team can help guide you through the often complex legal proceedings. We will work diligently to protect your rights, future, and family's best interests.

Contact Iwanyshyn & Associates today to schedule a one-on-one case evaluation with experienced family law attorneys. Our dedicated team can offer you the detailed legal guidance, support, and reliable advocacy you need to navigate important decisions. We're proud to serve clients throughout Allison Park, Cranberry, Pittsburgh, Gibsonia, and Wexford, Pennsylvania.