Are there rules for ending alimony payments?

In Pennsylvania, the law for ending alimony payments is outlined in the state’s Divorce Code. Alimony payments can be modified or terminated in several circumstances, such as when the recipient spouse enters into a new marriage, when the payer spouse reaches full retirement age (67) or when a recipient spouse begins living with another person in a “supportive relationship”. Alimony payments may also be terminated when the payer spouse experiences an involuntary decrease in income, such as due to unemployment or disability. In some cases, alimony payments can be modified or terminated by agreement of the ex-spouses or by court order. If both ex-spouses agree, they can make a new agreement in writing, detailing new alimony payment arrangements, which can be approved by the court and made legally binding. If the ex-spouses cannot come to an agreement, either spouse can petition the court to modify or terminate alimony payments. The court will look at several factors, including the payer spouse’s financial situation and the recipient spouse’s need for alimony. Finally, Pennsylvania law allows for the termination of alimony when the recipient spouse has failed to make a reasonable effort to become self-supporting. If the court determines that the recipient spouse “habitually and continuously” fails to seek employment or make a reasonable effort to improve their job skills, the court can terminate alimony payments.

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Are there rules for ending alimony payments?

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