Having a financial obligation to someone you no longer want a relationship with may feel counterintuitive. However, after assessing factors related to your marriage, the courts may require you to do just that.
You may reach a point where you no longer feel that your ex needs spousal support. Or, you could face financial hardships that impact your ability to make payments. Under circumstances such as these, you may wonder what the likelihood is of reducing or suspending support payments.
Is it fair?
Sure, spousal support may make the most sense if your former spouse spent the majority of the marriage at home and raising children. A divorce may complicate financial matters and finding a job may take some time. However, you may question the fairness of continued payments if your ex has since found a reliable job that pays substantially. You may also wonder why you continue to pay if your ex remarried and shares an income with a new spouse.
Sometimes, you can voice these concerns to the courts and they will reassess the situation. According to U.S. News, divorce allows you an opportunity to reset financially. You have every right to dispute payments you feel your ex no longer needs so you can optimize your financial resources how you best see fit.
Is it reasonable?
Paying spousal support when you encounter financial hardship may cause immense stress. If you lose your job or suffer a sudden illness or disability, you may need to pay close attention to how you use your money. Rather than skip payments altogether, proactively notify the courts of your inability to pay. Such action may prevent worse situations from happening as a result of ignoring a court-ordered duty.
An attorney can help you strategize, as well as identify a reasonable time to petition the courts for an update or modification to your spousal support agreement.
