Many are unaware that an order to pay alimony or spousal support can be subject to change. There are some scenarios where alimony may be increased or reduced, according to the payer’s ability to pay and the supported spouse’s need. It is important to inform your Baltimore alimony lawyer of any changes to your or your ex-spouse’s situation, so they can determine if a modification is right for you.
Reducing Spousal Support
In some cases, the paying spouse may be granted a reduction in the amount of alimony they pay an ex-spouse. This typically is not possible if the parties entered a marital separation agreement, but is possible if alimony was granted by a judge after a trial. Some reasons for a decrease include:
- Illness or injury: If the paying ex-spouse becomes injured or develops a condition that causes them to earn less income than they have in the past, the courts may order a modification.
- New love: If the receiving spouse is living and sharing expenses with a new significant other, the paying ex-spouse may seek an alimony reduction.
- Remarriage: When the supported spouse remarries, this is one of the most common reasons for spousal support to decrease or stop completely.
- Unemployment: When a paying ex-spouse loses their job through no fault of their own, the alimony they pay can be reduced to accommodate this change. This scenario does not apply if the paying spouse quits a job purposely to avoid paying spousal support.
- Death: The death of an ex-spouse is the most obvious and permanent end to alimony.
Types of Alimony
There are different types of alimony. Rehabilitative alimony is designed to support the receiving spouse temporarily while they obtain the training, education, or employment necessary to support themselves. Less common is indefinite alimony. This type of support is used in situations where the recipient is unable to earn an income or where the disparity in incomes is substantial.
Both parties can ask the court for an alimony modification. The receiving spouse can also petition the court to extend spousal support at the end of the alimony term. If their request for an extension is not made in a timely manner, alimony will expire as expected. When an extension is granted, the amount and term of spousal support can also be modified at this time.
Because alimony modifications are determined on a case by case basis depending upon both partners’ living and employment circumstances, it is best to discuss your situation with an experienced Baltimore alimony lawyer. They will evaluate your individual situation and assess whether spousal support should be reduced. They can also advocate for you if your ex-spouse is pursuing a reduction that you believe to be unreasonable.
Baltimore Alimony Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Handle Complex Spousal Support Matters
The Baltimore alimony lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC have extensive experience on both sides of spousal support cases. They advocate for ex-spouses seeking to reduce alimony and for supported exes who depend on fair and reasonable spousal support to maintain their lifestyle. We will take the time to listen to you, answer your questions, and provide the best legal counsel for your situation.
To get started with a free case consultation, call 443-589-0150 or contact us online. With offices in Towson and Hunt Valley, Maryland, we proudly represent clients in and around Baltimore, Bel Air, Columbia, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks, Parkton, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
