If you have been ordered to pay alimony to your ex-spouse as part of your divorce, you may understand. This payment is not intended to be the sole source of income for your ex, but rather to help supplement their income as they become financially independent. However, if you learn that your ex is living with and sharing expenses with another person, you may wonder if you must still continue paying them. The following blog explores how cohabitation can impact spousal support payments, as well as the importance of discussing your circumstances with a Long Island alimony lawyer to help you right for the best possible outcome.
What Constitutes Cohabitation in New York?
It’s no secret that living expenses can be incredibly overwhelming for many individuals, which has led to an increase in sharing living spaces with others to ease the financial burden. As alimony is intended to help support the spouse, cohabitation can have an impact on the amount the paying spouse is responsible for. However, it’s critical to understand that cohabitation, for the purposes of reassessing alimony, is much more complex than two parties living together. Instead, the courts will consider whether or not the two individuals present as a couple, such as sharing a bank account or taking out a loan together. Generally, if it appears that the couple is living as a married couple, it could impact the alimony the recipient spouse receives.
What Should I Do if I Discover My Ex, to Whom I Pay Alimony, Is Living With Someone?
If you learn that our ex is in a new relationship and living with a new partner, it can be frustrating as you may feel like you are not only supporting your ex, but their new partner. However, it’s critical to understand that you should not simply stop paying alimony. Unfortunately, many people make this mistake and end up in legal trouble, as it defies the court order. As such, you could face arrears for the outstanding payments owed to your spouse.
The most important thing you can do is contact a family law attorney for guidance on how to proceed. They can assist you in gathering evidence of your spouse’s cohabitation arrangement and aid in petitioning the court to reduce or terminate alimony payments as a result. The court will consider the finances of all parties involved, including your ex-spouse’s new partner, to determine how to proceed.
As you can see, navigating alimony issues related to cohabitation can be incredibly difficult. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Jay D. Raxenberg, P.C. We understand how overwhelming these matters can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to assist you through these difficult times. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
