Spousal support, also known as alimony, helps to make the outcome of a divorce fair. It is quite common for one spouse to leave the workforce or to focus more on the family than on their career.
They may not be able to command competitive wages when they suddenly need to reenter the workforce because of a pending divorce. Spousal support makes it possible for one spouse to live independently until they establish the skills or experience they need to earn a living wage.
The courts calculate spousal support obligations based on circumstances at the time of a divorce. Does remarriage potentially alter spousal support obligations?
Remarriage is a major change in circumstances
The courts hear spousal support modification cases when there have been substantial changes in circumstances. A hearing may not actually be necessary if the reason one spouse helps to modify the order is a remarriage.
If the recipient remarries, state law allows for the automatic termination of spousal support. The paying spouse no longer has to provide financial assistance to someone who now has a different spouse to provide for them.
However, if the paying spouse is the one who remarries, then the courts are unlikely to terminate the spousal support order. In fact, remarriage may not even be grounds to reduce the amount of support paid.
Those hoping to modify their spousal support orders may need assistance as they evaluate their situation, learn about the law and review the existing order. Changing a spousal support order requires qualifying circumstances, and people may have a hard time being objective when evaluating their own situation.