Published: February 6, 2016

Consult A Family Law Attorney When Seeking to Reduce Alimony Payment Obligations

If you have been ordered to pay alimony, you may wonder if there is any time that you can legally stop alimony payments. Generally, the divorce agreement outlines the specific ways in which these payments can be stopped or changed. A judge can also order a change in alimony payments if there’s a change in circumstances. Our experienced family law attorneys explain a few possibilities that may warrant a change in alimony.

Circumstances that Warrant a Change in Alimony

A judge is likely to consider stopping payments if the spouse, through no fault of his own, becomes unemployed. Also, a judge may consider stopping alimony payments if he becomes ill or disabled and cannot continue to work. Most likely, a judge won’t consider stopping alimony payments if the spouse voluntarily quits his job.

Circumstances on Behalf of the Recipient Spouse

If the paying spouse finds that his ex-spouse has permanently moved in with another partner, the judge may agree to stop payments if the recipient spouse shares living expenses with her new partner.

When The Court May Deny a Request in Change of Alimony

A judge may not be so inclined to eliminate payments if the paying spouse files for bankruptcy, unless the above circumstances were included in the request.

Also, if the paying spouse argues cost-of-living increases, he most likely will not sway a judge to rule to eliminate alimony payments.

If you are currently paying alimony and would like to seek to have those payments reduced or eliminated altogether, contact us to set up a consultation.