The courts in Pennsylvania can order both spousal support, which persists throughout a divorce, and alimony, which is financial support for a lower-earning spouse after the final divorce decree. The alimony order generally contains terms that reflect the financial circumstances of both spouses and the unique details of their marital relationship.
In some cases, changes to spousal circumstances may warrant a review and modification of the existing alimony order. Does the remarriage of either spouse impact the alimony order?
Recipient remarriage can terminate alimony
The spouse paying alimony has a financial obligation based on their prior marital relationship that does not end just because they remarry. While supporting a new spouse can impact the finances of the spouse paying alimony, their new marital obligations do not absolve them of their legal responsibility to pay alimony.
However, the remarriage of the spouse receiving alimony can lead to the prompt termination of the alimony order. After all, sharing household expenses with a new partner drastically affects an individual’s finances and may warrant an alimony modification.
In fact, simply moving in with a romantic partner to cohabit and share expenses can justify the early termination of an alimony order. Either spouse can request a review and modification of an alimony order after a substantial change in circumstances, but specific scenarios, like a recipient remarrying, can have an immediate impact on alimony obligations.
When a spouse who previously relied on alimony now has a different source of financial support, they may no longer require alimony to maintain a basic standard of living. Reviewing the change in circumstances with a legal professional can help those paying or receiving alimony understand when a change might be necessary.
