{"id":374946,"date":"2016-04-11T01:23:25","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:23:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/changing-the-terms-of-a-new-jersey-divorce.html"},"modified":"2024-10-08T10:08:38","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T15:08:38","slug":"changing-the-terms-of-a-new-jersey-divorce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/changing-the-terms-of-a-new-jersey-divorce.html","title":{"rendered":"Changing the Terms of a New Jersey Divorce"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Changing the Terms of a New Jersey Divorce<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

When a New Jersey family court judge issues your final divorce decree, you would think things are over. You have your marital settlement agreement, and you and your ex-spouse will go your separate ways. But sometimes, you need to change the terms of your divorce. This happens more often than you might think.<\/p>\r\n

In New Jersey, there are ways to ask a judge to change the terms of your divorce. Typically, you do this using a "Lepis Motion."<\/p>\r\n

Here, we’ll explain what a Lepis Motion is and how it can help you change the terms of your divorce. We will also discuss why someone would want to modify the terms of their divorce.<\/p>\r\n

What is a ‘Lepis Motion’?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In a New Jersey family law court, judges or lawyers may refer to "Lepis" or "Lepis motion." But what does "Lepis" mean, and how can it impact your divorce case?<\/p>\r\n

Lepis refers to a 1980 New Jersey family law case, Lepis v. Lepis. <\/i>The New Jersey Supreme Court heard this case, which involved a party’s ability to modify the terms of their divorce agreement.<\/p>\r\n

In Lepis<\/i>, the court concluded that the lower courts can establish alimony, child support, child custody, and related issues. They also have the power to revise the orders when circumstances require. Family court orders reflect the obligations of the parties. But obligations are always subject to review by the court. A party can ask the courts to change its order if they show a significant change in circumstances.<\/p>\r\n

What Are ‘Changed Circumstances?’<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

To convince a judge to change the terms of your agreement post-divorce, your divorce lawyer must show that your circumstances have changed in a material way. The courts consider several factors when deciding a Lepis<\/i> motion. We will discuss these factors in detail below.<\/p>\r\n

Some of the evidence your attorney may use to prove a change in circumstances includes the following:<\/p>\r\n