Is alimony modifiable after the divorce is finalized?

Yes, alimony is modifiable after the divorce is finalized in California. Alimony is a court-ordered payment from one former spouse to the other. It is meant to provide financial support and maintain the same lifestyle the couple enjoyed while they were married. In California, alimony is modifiable if the requesting party can prove there has been a significant change in circumstances. The requesting party must prove there has been a material change in their finances or the other party’s finances. The requesting party must also show that the modification is necessary to continue to support themselves. To modify alimony, the court must first determine if there is a sufficient showing of a substantial change in the parties’ circumstances. If there is a sufficient showing, the court considers all factors that were used to determine the original alimony award. These factors include: the income and ability of each party to pay, the ability of the receiving party to meet their needs and the length of the marriage. If the court finds that there have been significant changes in the parties’ circumstances, it can modify the alimony payment. This can include increasing or decreasing the amount of alimony paid, extending the date when payments must stop or changing the duration of payments. However, this will not change the underlying divorce agreement. The court will also consider if any of the modifications are temporary or permanent in nature.

Related FAQs

Is alimony taken into consideration when calculating child support?
Is alimony considered income?
How long is alimony typically paid?
Can alimony be increased if the payor's income increases?
Does a general alimony award terminate upon remarriage?
Are alimony payments considered separate property?
Is alimony considered a form of child support?
How is alimony affected if either party moves to a new state?
How does a court consider the income of a stay-at-home parent when awarding alimony?
Does liability for alimony continue after the death of the payor?

Related Blog Posts

'Demystifying Alimony Law: What You Need To Know' - July 31, 2023
'Divorce and Alimony: Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities' - August 7, 2023
'Tax Implications of Alimony Payments: How to Protect Your Finances' - August 14, 2023
'How to Calculate Alimony Payments: A Step-by-Step Guide' - August 21, 2023
'Alimony Modifications: Know Your Rights and Options' - August 28, 2023