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2 reasons why you may need to modify alimony

On Behalf of | Dec 30, 2022 | Family Law |

Ideally, divorce would mark the end of everything to do with your spouse. Once the divorce is finalized and you sign those dotted lines, you want to leave the court with a sigh of relief that you have finally cut ties with your ex.

Unfortunately, some divorces are never clear breaks. If the court directs you to pay alimony or spousal support to your ex, you will definitely keep in touch with them for as long as the order is in place.

However, a spousal support order is never cast in stone. Just as life is subject to change, so can the alimony order be subjected to change or modification. Here are two valid reasons why you might want to consider modifying your Connecticut spousal support order:

When either party’s income changes

Loss of income can take multiple forms, like loss of a job or business income, a promotion or a demotion at work. If you experience a significant change in income, thus, are unable to keep up with your alimony payments, then you can petition the court for a modification.

Likewise, if the receiving party’s income changes, say they’ve acquired adequate skills to secure a job and support themselves, then you can petition the court to reduce the alimony payments.

When the receiving party marries or gets into cohabitation with a romantic partner

Your spousal support obligation automatically usually ends when your ex remarries or cohabits with a romantic partner. If you can provide proof of marriage (a marriage certificate or wedding photos), or proof of cohabitation (shared lease contract or utility bills), then you can petition the court to formally terminate your alimony order.

Alimony, or spousal support, as it is commonly known can be a contentious subject during and after the divorce. Find out how you can protect your rights and interests while litigating a spousal support order.

 

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