Alimony or spousal support helps people live independently after divorce. Provided that there is a discrepancy in financial circumstances, the courts may order one spouse to provide regular monthly payments to the other for a set amount of time.
Spousal support or alimony can put a lot of pressure on the paying spouse’s household budget. They may struggle to afford all of their personal expenses while providing support for their spouse. If their economic circumstances change, that struggle could become much more challenging. For example, losing a job could make it impossible to make monthly payments.
Can people modify or terminate spousal support orders when they lose their jobs?
The courts can grant a modification
The word of spousal support depends on either an agreement between the spouses or the courts’ interpretation of the marital circumstances. When the circumstances of either spouse change significantly, that may justify making a significant adjustment to the current support order.
A significant reduction in income can impact the paying spouse’s ability to afford alimony or spousal support payments. A reduction in income may convince the courts to reduce the amount of support available. However, there is generally an expectation that the spouse ordered to pay support should make reasonable efforts to secure new employment and improve their circumstances.
Unless there are unusual factors, such as medical challenges, preventing them from working, the courts are unlikely to terminate their support obligations. If it appears that someone left their job voluntarily or took other steps to reduce their income, courts may refuse requests to modify spousal support.
Reviewing an original spousal support order and changes in circumstances with a skilled legal team can help people determine if they may be eligible for a support modification. Those who are familiar with the rules can then seek relief when they are eligible for a modification.