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Blog 2019 June When Can I Stop Paying Spousal Support?
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When Can I Stop Paying Spousal Support?

Posted By Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny || 19-Jun-2019

In most cases, a spousal support order clearly states how long payments will last. However, there are some circumstances in which a spousal support order can end earlier. It is also possible to have a spousal support order modified to accommodate any substantial changes in either party’s circumstances, so be sure to consult with an attorney to discuss the details of your situation.

Here are some circumstances in which spousal support payments usually end:

  • When a receiving spouse lives with a new partner, the paying spouse can request to have the spousal support order terminated. Keep in mind that the relationship would have to be romantic and that a spousal support order cannot be terminated simply because the receiving spouse has a roommate. Basically, when a former spouse cohabitates with a new partner, it is assumed that he or she is no longer shouldering the burden of all household expenses and, as a result, no longer requires spousal support payments to maintain a certain standard of living.
  • When a receiving spouse remarries, spousal support is usually automatically terminated, unlike in situations where a former spouse is cohabitating with a new partner and the nature of that relationship needs to be proven first.
  • When children no longer need a full-time at-home parent, it is possible to request a spousal support order to be terminated since the receiving party can now seek employment.
  • When the paying spouse would endure serious hardships due to spousal support payments, it is possible to have the order terminated. Generally, termination is only considered when the paying party loses his or her job, retires, or suffers a severe disability that renders him or her unable to continue to work and make payments. If the hardship is only temporary, the spousal support order might simply be temporarily modified.
  • In the event that either party dies, spousal support will automatically come to an end.

If you can no longer make spousal support payments and you and your former spouse are on amicable terms, he or she might even agree to end your payments. However, make sure you go through the proper legal channels and have a judge officially sign off on it to ensure you are not on the hook for missed payments later on if your ex-spouse has a change of heart regarding your agreement.

Contact a Spousal Support Attorney Today!

Spousal support payments are not designed to last forever, so if you feel yours should come to an end or be reduced, you need an attorney on your side to help you navigate the process of requesting a termination or modification. At The Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny, our legal team has over 30 years of legal experience and is dedicated to pursuing the best possible results on behalf of every client we serve.

Begin your case today and contact our office at (713) 936-2300 to schedule a case review with one of our knowledgeable spousal support attorneys.

Categories: Divorce, Spousal Maintenance

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Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny
Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny - Houston Family Law Attorney
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