Will Moving In with My New Partner Impact Alimony Payments?

It is common for individuals who have recently gone through a Florida divorce and are receiving alimony to have questions about life choices that could impact their payments. For example, a concern may arise when considering moving in with a new partner.

Discussing the relationship between cohabitation and alimony is possible when you connect with a Tampa family lawyer. Divorce attorneys are familiar with all phases of separation and divorce, including concerns that extend past the finalization of divorce papers.

Spousal Support and the Impact of Cohabitation

Alimony, which is sometimes referred to as spousal support or spousal maintenance, is a financial arrangement in which one spouse pays the other after a divorce. Often the payments are in place for a set amount of time and the purpose of alimony is to provide financial assistance to the lower-earning spouse. Financial support often allows a person to maintain a similar standard of living that they enjoyed while married post-divorce.

Florida family law recognizes various types of alimony, including temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational. Each type of spousal support serves a specific purpose.

Of course, life goes on when a marriage ends and plans may change. For example, a person may believe they will remain single for a period of time only to meet someone and decide they want to enter into a serious relationship. Cohabitation could be discussed, meaning the new partners decide to live together in a romantic relationship without being legally married.

When receiving alimony, know that in the state of Florida the impact of cohabitation on alimony payments will depend on the terms outlined in the divorce agreement. It is common for alimony agreements to include a provision that terminates or modifies alimony payments should the receiving spouse cohabitates with a new partner. It is also important to note that not all divorce agreements automatically address cohabitation. In some cases, if one or both parties want to seek a modification, it needs to be made through legal channels.

When Alimony Payments May Be Reconsidered

Spousal maintenance modifications may be considered if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Cohabitation could be considered such a change, particularly if the living arrangement changes the financial needs of the receiving spouse. If the Floridian who is making the spousal support payments believes that the recipient’s financial situation has significantly improved due to them being in a new partnership and cohabitating with that partner, they may seek a modification of the alimony arrangement.

When contemplating cohabitation, consult with a seasoned Tampa family lawyer about the possibility of your alimony payments being altered or halted. A skilled attorney can provide you with legal guidance on your specific situation.

Who are you talking to about your household changes? While your decisions about where to live are your own, know that as family dynamics evolve alimony agreements can be affected. If you have questions about how a potential move could lead to changes in your financial situation, talk to the legal team at Blair H. Chan, III. Book your consultation today, call 813-280-5301.