Can alimony be modified?

Yes, alimony can be modified in New York. Alimony, which is also known as spousal support, is an agreement between spouses during a divorce that one spouse must pay the other financial support. In some cases, alimony is awarded for a set period of time so that the other spouse can obtain the necessary skills or education to become self-sufficient. Under New York law, if either spouse experiences a “substantial change” in circumstances, either spouse can petition the court to modify the amount or duration of alimony payments. The court will then review the case and decide if the modification is necessary. Common reasons for a change in alimony payments include changes in either party’s income, the cost of medical expenses, a spouse’s remarriage, or if the recipient spouse begins to cohabitate with another individual. In some cases, a change in payments can be decided by the spouses, without the help of a court. If both spouses agree to modify payments, they can create a contract detailing the changes and have it authorized by a lawyer. This is the most cost-effective way to make a change in alimony payments. Overall, alimony payments can be modified with either a court order or a contract between spouses. In either case, the modification must be approved by a court to be legally binding.

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