Cohabitation and Alimony

Alimony, or spousal support, is sometimes conditioned upon the supported spouse remaining unmarried and single. In some states, cohabitation can influence a court to terminate alimony. Some states have laws that say cohabitation suggests alimony should be reduced or at least considered. In some alimony orders, cohabitation is one of the conditions on which alimony ends. If a person suspects a former spouse of cohabiting with someone else, he may seek to reduce or stop alimony payments. However, states have different laws about the modification of alimony payments and the process can be complicated.

Cohabitation and Alimony in State Laws

The first thing to determine is if the state allows alimony to be modified. Not every state allows spousal support modification and cohabitation will have no effect on alimony in these states. Even if the state allows alimony to be modified, it is also possible that a person gave up this right during the divorce judgement. If this is the case, the person will have to make a motion to modify spousal support by requesting a hearing in divorce or family court.

In other states, there are laws that say cohabitation should decrease alimony. For example, in California the law says that a cohabitating spouse is presumed to have a decreased need for spousal support. Check the law in your state to find out whether there are laws related to cohabitation and alimony that might allow you to request a termination or a modification of your spousal support payments.

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Continue Making Spousal Support Payments

It is important to continue making timely alimony payments while waiting for a hearing date. Should a person fail to make the alimony payments, he can be found guilty of indirect contempt of civil court which requires another case before a different judge. However, if a person chooses to stop or reduce alimony payments before the hearing, he can demonstrate good faith by putting the payments in an interest-bearing savings account. He should still be prepared to pay the principal and interest to the former spouse, in addition to any attorney’s fees, if he loses at the hearing.

This is not recommended. It is always best to continue making payments until a court orders that spousal support be terminated. Even if spousal support is terminated or changed, it is difficult to know whether or how a court will deal with this problem prior to a hearing. Rather than stopping payments, consider requesting that the modification or termination be retroactive to the date the request for termination or modification was filed.

Court Views on Cohabitation

States have different definitions of what constitutes cohabitation and judges can also define cohabitation differently depending on the jurisdiction. A judge could find that a former spouse is indeed cohabiting if she has a serious romantic or intimate connection with her new partner. This can be proved if she and her new partner have their mail delivered to the same residential address, are on the same lease for the same rented residence, or regularly park their vehicles at the same residence.

A judge may also find there is an instance of cohabitation if the former spouse and the new partner spend their free time and eat their meals at the same residential address, have or parent children together, and share bank accounts or other assets. Other factors in determining cohabitation include whether the former spouse and her partner make contributions to common household expenses or if their relationship is recognized in the community.

In some states, the law provides a definition of what it means to be cohabitating in a romantic partnership. A divorce attorney or family law attorney will know the laws in your state.

Alimony Hearings

The facts regarding cohabitation are admitted into evidence during the alimony hearing. It may be enough to provide a declaration of the facts and evidence in documentary evidence you submit prior to the hearing, but declarations can sometimes be excluded from evidence so it is always best to come to the hearing prepared to tell the judge the facts and present any other evidence you may have about the cohabitation. In some states, evidence of cohabitation is enough to reduce or altogether stop alimony payments. However, other states require more evidence beyond cohabitation to justify reducing spousal support.

In these states, the court is likely to apply what is commonly known as an economic contribution test. The court will ask the former spouse if she has a permanent residence with her new partner or is involved in a relationship that is like a marriage. If the former spouse is receiving economic support from the new partner, or is using alimony payments to support the new partner, it is likely that the alimony payment will be reduced or eliminated.

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Appeals of Alimony Termination or Reduction

It is within the judge’s discretion to decide on the amount of payments to be reduced. Should this decision not be favorable, the person has the option to appeal. It is possible to move for a modification of spousal support more than once. Complications can arise if the former spouse breaks up with the new partner before the hearing comes to court, or if the former spouse appears to be avoiding a permanent relationship so they can continue receiving alimony. In the latter example, in particular, an attorney should be consulted for advice on available legal options.

Get Help

Attempting to get a modification of spousal support is often difficult but can be worth the effort. Work with an alimony attorney closely to understand how changes in state laws and recent appeals rulings may affect your case.

Case Studies: Cohabitation and Alimony

Case Study 1: The Impact of Cohabitation on Alimony

A divorced individual suspects that their former spouse is cohabitating with someone else. The person seeks to reduce or stop the alimony payments based on this suspicion.

However, the process of modifying alimony payments varies by state, and it can be complicated. The outcome of this case study will explore the legal considerations and challenges faced when attempting to modify alimony based on cohabitation.

Case Study 2: State Laws and Cohabitation’s Influence on Alimony

Different states have varying laws regarding the impact of cohabitation on alimony payments. This examines the legal landscape in different jurisdictions and how cohabitation may be considered as a factor in modifying or terminating spousal support.

It highlights the importance of understanding state-specific laws and their implications for individuals seeking to modify their alimony obligations based on cohabitation.

Case Study 3: Presenting Evidence of Cohabitation in Alimony Hearings

When attempting to modify or terminate alimony based on cohabitation, it is crucial to present compelling evidence during the alimony hearing.

This explores the types of evidence that may be admitted in court, such as shared residence, joint financial accounts, or evidence of a permanent relationship similar to marriage.

It sheds light on how courts evaluate cohabitation claims and the potential impact of such evidence on spousal support decisions.

Case Study 4: Appeals and Complications in Alimony Termination or Reduction

In some cases, individuals may appeal unfavorable decisions regarding alimony reduction or termination due to cohabitation. This case study delves into the process of appealing such decisions and the factors that may influence the outcome.

It also addresses complications that can arise, such as changes in the circumstances of the former spouse or attempts to avoid a permanent relationship to continue receiving alimony. The study emphasizes the importance of consulting with an attorney to navigate these legal options effectively.

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