Alimony, also known as spousal support, frequently persists after divorce. A spouse who made career sacrifices or has major health issues may rely on financial support to cover basic expenses.
Both people paying alimony and those receiving alimony typically have strong feelings about this particular financial obligation after divorce. The recipient may struggle to make ends meet, while the spouse paying may have difficulties as well due to their obligations.
There are certain scenarios in which the courts may terminate or modify alimony orders. Significant changes in financial circumstances may warrant alimony adjustments. If the recipient spouse moves in with a new romantic partner, will that impact their eligibility for alimony?
Cohabitation can lead to a modification
The courts consider many different factors when deciding how long alimony should last and how much the payments should be. Most people recognize that alimony usually ends when the recipient spouse remarries.
Simply starting a new romantic relationship does not automatically justify the termination or reduction of alimony payments. However, if the recipient spouse moves in with their new romantic partner and begins relying on them for financial support, that could constitute an actionable change in circumstances.
The longer the cohabitation lasts and the more support the recipient spouse receives from their new partner, the greater the chances that the courts may agree to reduce or terminate the alimony payments. When the party receiving alimony no longer pays all of their own expenses alone, their need for financial support may decrease.
Discussing current living and financial circumstances can help people make sense of alimony orders and better understand when modifications are possible. People who understand the law are less likely to waste time and energy seeking modifications that the courts are unlikely to grant.
