If you were awarded alimony after a divorce, you may wonder if it could ever be revoked or forfeited. Some circumstances may cause you to lose your right, so it’s important to consider if you may be at risk. 
Ask yourself: 

What Were the Original Terms of Your Alimony?

Consider the original terms of your divorce agreement — when was your spousal support supposed to end? Alimony is rarely actually permanent and is only intended to bridge the gap until the lesser-earning spouse can obtain additional training or a new job to become self-sufficient. In many cases, the end of alimony often just means that the time constraint in the divorce decree for paying support has passed.

Has One of the Following Occurred?  

You may be at risk of your spousal support situation changing if: 

• • Your ex-spouse died. Whether you are the payer or recipient, if the other has passed away, payments cannot continue. 
  • You started living with someone else. If you are cohabiting with another person, the court may decide that your ex-spouse is no longer required to make alimony payments.

• You got married to another person. 

• You got a new job. If you got a new job or a raise and your ex can prove that you don’t need support, a court may go ahead and discontinue your alimony payments.
• Your ex-spouse lost their job or went to jail. Unfortunately, if your ex commits a crime and goes to jail, or they lose their job, they’re not going to be able to make alimony payments and the state cannot force them to. However, the case will likely be put on hold and payments can resume. 
• You did not try to become self-sufficient while receiving alimony. The court expects you to put forth a certain amount of effort establishing your own income and independence while receiving alimony. If your ex can show that you did not do this and instead purposely squandered the support payments, a judge may decide to discontinue them. 

Get Help With Alimony Payments From an Experienced Divorce Attorney 

Few things are more frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time than going through the process of divorce, especially when alimony is involved. T. Martin Knopes, P.A. is a seasoned Okaloosa family lawyer who can help you navigate the challenges of alimony, custody, and more. Call today for your initial consultation to discuss your case at (850) 683-0700.