Canpermanent alimony be reduced or even terminated?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Canpermanent alimony be reduced or even terminated?

Is it possible to get alimony reduced or terminated if my stipulated judgement has a clause stating I pay alimony until my X remarries or dies (couldn’t afford a lawyer at the time and missed this clause before I signed)? Divorce has been final for almost 10 years and was married 21 before the divorce.

Asked on April 18, 2011 under Family Law, California

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Many times, the spouse who is paying the alimony has been told by prior counsel that they have to pay spousal support with virtually no possibility for stopping that alimony.  However sometimes there is a possibility to end spousal support.  An experienced family law attorney can create a strategy based on the case history and any settlement agreements to reduce or even terminate alimony payments. The fact is that in recent years, courts have decided cases based on the idea that alimony is temporary in nature, even for long marriages. In other words, spousal support is meant to come to an end.   In your case, it ends upon death of your ex-spouse or their re-marriage (and co-habitation could count).  However the issue of self-sufficiencyand an increase in earnings can come into play as well.  While modifying or termination alimony is not automatic or easy, it is possible.  Right now you should consult directly with a divorce attorney in your area to further discuss the specific details of your case.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption