Spouses may need spousal support or alimony if they are financially dependent on their partner during or after a divorce. In Florida, they can get different types of alimony: bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative or durational. This type of financial support is not forever. There are various situations where the payor’s obligation to pay alimony ends. Here are some of those:
- Remarriage of the recipient: When the person receiving alimony gets legally remarried, periodic alimony payments automatically stop.
- Death: If either the person paying or receiving alimony passes away, the payments end.
- Living with a new partner: If the alimony recipient starts living with someone in a supportive relationship, the court might reduce or stop the payments.
- Major life changes: If there’s a significant change in either person’s financial situation, like losing a job or getting a big promotion, they can ask the court to change the alimony amount.
- Time’s up: Some types of alimony, like bridge-the-gap or rehabilitative, have a set end date. When that time comes, the payments stop.
- Lump sum paid: If alimony was set as a one-time payment, once it’s paid in full, that’s it.
Remember, except for remarriage and death, most of these situations require going back to court to make it official.
Modification of alimony order: Possible?
Modifying an alimony order in Florida is possible, but it’s not always easy. Either the person paying or receiving alimony can ask for a modification. They can then file a petition with the court and present their case. A judge will decide if the change is appropriate.
Legalities to consider
There are nuances when it comes to modification cases. For example, changing the alimony terms might be very difficult if the original divorce agreement includes a non-modification clause. Both parties might need to negotiate a new deal outside of court to find a new agreeable arrangement. They may also seek legal counsel to explore possible exceptions to the non-modification clause. Consulting with a legal professional can be beneficial in such situations.