When you are ordered to pay Wisconsin spousal maintenance as part of your divorce, you may wonder what circumstances trigger the termination of the spousal support, aka alimony, payments or what you can do to reduce the amount you have to pay.
There are three possible grounds for automatic termination of spousal support which include the supported spouse living with another person – cohabitation – in a conjugal relationship; a recipient spouse remarrying; or the death of either spouse.
An award of temporary or rehabilitative maintenance meant to provide time for a recipient spouse to get back on their feet may be terminated by the court if it can be proven that an ex-spouse or partner is not making an effort to be self-supporting.
As for modifying an order, there has to be a substantial change in circumstance since the original order was created for the court to act. This may include a change in either spouse’s employment status such as a recipient landing a great job or, on the flip side, the payor falling on hard times. It may even be a change in child custody arrangements that weighs into the equation. If your situation has changed significantly since your divorce, it is important to discuss your options with an experienced Wisconsin family law attorney.
There are a number of factors a court may consider when modifying or terminating a support order, with an eye toward a just and equitable outcome for all parties involved. It is worthwhile to discuss spousal support payments with an experienced attorney if you believe that something has changed that will relieve you from the responsibility of making continued payments or reduce the amount of support you must pay, or in the event you believe you are entitled to more spousal support because of a change in circumstances. Contact the family law attorneys of Probst Law Offices for immediate help at 414-210-3135.