In most cases, in the wake of a divorce, alimony is not a permanent solution to your financial woes. While it certainly may be able to provide you with the financial assistance you require while you get back on your feet, eventually, alimony payments or spousal support may stop. For many in need of alimony, it’s likely that you will want to know the timeframes for which you may be able to receive alimony. The divorce process can certainly be contentious, making the guidance of a divorce lawyer imperative.
Alimony Modifications
You may have reached a point where it may be time for an alimony modification to take place. Alimony is a court order, meaning that any modifications should take place during court proceedings. Without this, a new modification will not be able to be enforced through the court system. While there are a number of reasons to request a modification, there are specific situations that may result in alimony payments to know longer be necessary:
#1 Marriage
It’s only natural following a divorce for a person to eventually remarry. When this occurs, your exs’ obligation to pay alimony to you is likely to come to an end. However, in some cases, this will widely depend upon your alimony agreement.
#2 Cohabitation
If you make the decision to move in with someone, it’s important to speak with a divorce lawyer to first determine the impact this may have on alimony payments. If you make the decision to cohabitate with your partner, alimony payments may come to an end. However, if you believe that you still have a need for alimony, it’s best to speak with a divorce lawyer to determine what your next steps may be.
#3 Obtaining a Higher Paying Job
When one spouse makes more than the other, they may be required to make alimony payments to support their ex. One of the primary reasons for alimony or spousal support is to provide a spouse with the opportunity to obtain the skills they need, or the time to obtain a high paying job. There are a number of reasons a person may have not had the ability to do this during the marriage. In some cases they may have helped contribute to the other person’s education, or stayed home to care for children. When this occurs, you may have spent a significant period of time out of the workforce. Alimony gives someone the time needed to obtain a higher paying job. When this occurs, alimony may no longer be necessary.
Enduring divorce is financially and emotionally challenging enough. When one spouse requires financial assistance from another following a divorce, alimony may be the most appropriate option. When one spouse has supported the other’s education, or taken time away from the workforce to care for children, it may take them time following a divorce to get back on their feet again.
