Full question:
I have been paying alimony to my ex-wife in Virginia for over 20 years. I am retired and in ill health and would like to see if the alimony can be set aside. Can I do that in Florida or do I have to retain a lawyer in Virginia and go there to do it? The amount was lowered a little over 10 years ago but I still have to pay her $6,000 a year plus a portion of my Navy retirement which adds another $2,400 a year.
- Category: Divorce
- Subcategory: Spousal Support
- Date:
- State: Florida
Answer:
Venue is the local area in which a court, that has jurisdiction, may try a case. Jurisdiction is the geographical area within which a court has the right and power to operate. A court system may have jurisdiction to take a case in a wide geographical area, but the proper venue for the case may be one place within that area for the convenience of the parties. Jurisdiction is subject to fixed rules; however, venue is often left to the discretion of the judge.
When a divorce decree is issued by a court, that court retains jurisdiction to modify its order. Typically, venue for a modification of alimony may be changed only by agreement of both parties or by showing that a fair trial cannot be obtained in the court where the action is pending.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
