Relationship dynamics have changed in recent years, but certain issues remain consistent. While women are now more likely than in decades past to work outside of the home, they are still the spouse who gives birth. In many cases, they may also serve as the primary caregiver at the expense of their career development.
When a divorce occurs, the lower-earning or dependent spouse may ask for financial support in the form of alimony. Alimony payments help a lower-earning spouse support themselves as they redevelop their career prospects and prepare for independence. Can a new relationship affect a spouse’s eligibility for alimony?
Relationships can lead to the end of alimony
Alimony orders in Florida typically only last for a set amount of time. Regardless of other circumstances, alimony payments end when the paying spouse has fulfilled their obligation as outlined in the order. In some cases, the paying spouse can go back to court to ask for a modification to reduce their alimony or end their payments early.
One of the circumstances that may qualify for an alimony modification is when the recipient begins a new relationship. Simply dating someone does not affect alimony eligibility. However, when a recipient spouse remarries after divorce, their change in marital status usually results in the courts terminating alimony payments early.
Some people might try to sidestep that rule by moving in with a partner or getting engaged but not marrying until alimony technically ends. If there’s proof of cohabitation, that could also prompt the courts to terminate alimony obligations before the completion of the original order.
Learning more about the rules that apply to alimony orders can help men improve their financial circumstances as quickly as possible after divorce. Those who believe that their circumstances have changed sufficiently may need support as they pursue a modification of their existing alimony order.