Most people would like to know that once their divorce is finalized by the courts, it is truly over. However, that is not always the case and many spouses often want to modify court orders issued as a result of a divorce. Modifications are not granted easily by the courts. They will take a number of factors into consideration, such as the order an ex-spouse wants to be modified, and the reasons for changing it. If you have recently gotten a divorce and now wish to modify some portion of the divorce decree, below are some of the most important things to know when making changes.

Reasons for Post-Decree Modifications

Typically, only two changes in a person’s life allows them to modify court orders. These include a change in their financial situation or a change in their family situation. Common reasons for post-decree modifications include:

• A party paying support suffers a disability and can no longer work as a result
• A party receiving support has been promoted or has received a significant increase in their salary
• A party has had a significant reduction in their earnings
• One party has remarried or has had another child
• The needs of a child receiving support have changed
• The child has reached an age of maturity and wishes to live with the other parent
• A parent wants to move to another state

Even when these scenarios occur, it is crucial that both parties comply with the original order before making any changes. If they fail to do so, they may be held in contempt of court.

For those recently granted a divorce under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS/5), your divorce attorney may have already disclosed that you will be receiving a certified dissolution of marriage certificate from the circuit court clerk within the county of dissolution.

Although additional certified copies can be requested via the circuit court, non-certified verification of the dissolution can be provided by the Illinois Division of Vital Records, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Verification provided through the IDPH are available for dissolutions occurring from 1962 to the current index date available.

A request for a verification of dissolution will cost $5.00 per request and will include the names of both individuals involved, their dates of birth, date of the dissolution and the city and country where the dissolution was granted.

An Ex-Wife's Rights after the Death of a Former Husband

Does an ex-wife get her deceased, ex-husband's life insurance proceeds if he failed to change her as beneficiary of his policy after their divorce?

She may well do so.