Can alimony be modified?

Yes, alimony can be modified in Virginia. Alimony, also known as spousal support, can be modified if the spouse receiving the payments experiences a substantial change in circumstances. This change could include an increase or decrease in income, a change in medical conditions, or a shift in employment. Before modifying alimony payments, the spouse requesting the change must prove to the court that there has been a major change in circumstances. If the spouse cannot prove this change, the court may not grant the modification. The court also has the option of modifying alimony payments prior to the payments ending. This could be done if the paying spouse loses his/her job or if the spouse receiving alimony begins to make more money. Lastly, alimony may also be modified if both parties come to an agreement outside of court to make a change. For example, if one spouse agrees to pay a lesser amount or a different duration of time, the court may accept that agreement. Regardless of the situation, the court will check to see if the modification is fair and equitable. In Virginia, alimony is meant to help the lower-earning spouse financially and is not meant to be an indefinite payment.

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Can alimony be modified?

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