How do I end alimony?

During your divorce, if the court orders you to pay spousal support, you may not get an end date. The court may leave it open due to the circumstances of your situation.

The California Courts explain that the general rule is alimony lasts for half of the length of your marriage if your marriage was under 10 years. Over 10 years, though, often means the court will not set an end date.

Definitive end

There are a couple of situations that will end alimony without you having to request a modification. The first is if your former spouse dies. IN this case, you no longer have an obligation and the order ends.

The second is if your former spouse remarries. A remarriage takes away the financial need and dependency. It removes your obligation to continue to support the person with which you were once in a marriage.

Other circumstances

The court may consider your request to end spousal support if you can show your former spouse no longer needs it. You may show he or she has increased earnings or has been able to stabilize his or her financial situation.

You may also prove that your former spouse is not trying in good faith to improve his or her financial situation. Generally, if you can show the court that he or she is not trying to improve things for the purpose of continuing to get alimony, then the court may consider ending your order.

Lastly, if you find out your former spouse is living with someone and is in a relationship with that person, then you can make a case to end spousal support.