Alimony payments are ordered in some divorces, either due to a mutual agreement or because of a judge’s decision. All post-divorce support terms are spelled out in the divorce order, but sometimes this is confusing. Anyone who is going through a divorce that might include alimony should understand some basic points about it. One of these is when the payments will stop.
The duration of the support payments depends on the terms of the order. In some cases, there is only one alimony payment made. This is known as a lump-sum payment. There won’t be any future payments once that one is made.
Other alimony orders have a specified end date. This will be relayed either through a termination date listed in the order or through a number of payments. Once that date has passed or the number of payments is made, the support stops.
Alimony will always stop if either party passes away. Another event that can stop alimony is marriage. If the recipient spouse gets married again, the payments will stop. In some cases, they will also end if the recipient lives with a significant other.
If the recipient spouse’s financial situation changes for the better, the support might end. The same is true if the paying party’s situation changes for the worse.
People who are paying alimony shouldn’t stop doing so unless they are certain that the payments can legally be stopped. Recipients should ensure that they are getting what is due to them. When there are any discrepancies, seeking out assistance from the court might be in order.