Question:
I'm a disabled veteran. I was married 15 years. I am divorced and pay my ex-wife $950 a month for life in Alabama. I went to court and divorce with no lawyer. This was set by the judge for life. I am moving to Texas to get married. Can I have this reduced to so many years of ex-spousal payment or get it reduced? And when I die, does she have rights to my money over my future wife?
Jim's Reply:
The terms of a divorce, the stipulations, specify exactly who pays what to who and in what amount for what period of time. These are orders of the court and the only way to change them is to return to that court and seek a modification of the stipulation. Who has rights to any property you may leave behind is usually determined in your will and if drawn by an attorney who has expertise in probate the will should take care of your concerns.