When you finalize your divorce agreement, you also have to make a deal about spousal support. How much is paid, who pays it, and how long the agreement lasts are usually the main questions to answer. An agreement can last for years though, and there are many life events that could make you wonder if a support agreement should be modified. That’s when you’ll want to talk to our Dallas County post-judgment modification lawyers.
When Can a Spousal Support Agreement Be Modified?
A spousal support agreement can be modified in a few situations. The first is a change in the relationship status of the receiving spouse. If your ex gets remarried, there should be no more need for you to pay spousal support. You can also ask to change or end the agreement if your ex is cohabitating with someone else. This means that they are in a relationship, living together, and sharing expenses in a way that a married couple would.
You can also ask for an alimony agreement to be changed if you get sick or injured. If an illness or injury keeps you out of work, you may be able to ask for a modification since paying spousal support would end up being a massive burden on you while you are dealing with your own health problems.
Finally, spousal support agreements can sometimes be modified when the receiving spouse is essentially able to support themselves. If they have a good job and a steady income, continued alimony payments may be unnecessary.
Can Alimony Agreements Be Modified If the Payor Loses Their Job?
Yes, a change in economic circumstances can be a valid reason to ask for your support agreement to be modified. If the paying spouse is no longer employed, asking them to continue to support their former spouse can be a big burden. Temporarily changing the agreement can be a fair way to address matters. Maybe you can even have support payments lowered for a time in exchange for extending the agreement.
There is one important caveat here though. If you want to successfully change your agreement due to a lost job, you’ll probably also need to show the court that you are making a good-faith effort to look for employment.
When Can I Stop Paying Alimony?
You can stop paying alimony when and only when the court says so. Even if you think you have a great reason to stop paying, the court needs to be involved and a judge needs to make the final decision. Stop paying early and the court can force you to make up for those payments you missed.
Talk to a Lawyer
So if you think that your spousal support agreement could use a modification or two, contact Iowa Defenders, PLLC. We can schedule a consultation and tell you if we think you have a valid reason to make a change.
