Alimony may be part of a divorce agreement. In certain circumstances, it is awarded to a lower-earning or non-earning spouse. This is done to ensure that he or she can have financial stability after the marriage ends. But, what if that spouse remarries? A knowledgeable attorney can help you learn options regarding alimony modifications. Talk to a Sparta NJ Alimony Attorney today for experienced matrimonial counsel. Read on to find out more about the rules for spousal support, including circumstances that may affect payments, such as remarriage.
What is alimony?
Alimony is awarded in some divorces and is sometimes referred to as spousal support. The spouse who receives alimony is called a payee. The spouse who pays alimony is called the payor. This is a court-ordered payment that can vary based on several factors:
- The length of the marriage
- The income of each spouse
- Lifestyle and established quality of life
- The financial needs of the lower-earning spouse
- Age and health of both spouses
- The need for the lower-earning spouse to become financially independent
- Effects on and needs of the children of the marriage
With the help of a qualified attorney, the payor can petition the court to modify the agreement when certain conditions arise. This may occur if financial situations change for either spouse. It could also change when a payee remarries.
How can remarriage affect alimony?
Alimony payments may be set up to end at a specific time. However, certain circumstances may dictate the modification of alimony payments. Commonly, a judge orders alimony payments for one-third or half the length of time of the marriage, but when a payee remarries, those payments could end. The payor may make a petition to the court to cease payments. In the case that the payee does not inform their ex-spouse of the change, they risk paying legal fees to the payor.
