Springfield Termination Of Maintenance Attorney
In some divorce cases, an award of spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, is appropriate. When maintenance is being considered by the court, both parties will be curious about the duration of the award and whether or not there are any factors that can lead to an earlier termination of the order. At the law office of Courtney & Mills, LLC, our Springfield termination of maintenance attorneys can represent you if you are seeking to modify or terminate your spousal maintenance order. Call us today for the help you can count on.
Duration of Alimony in Missouri
The duration of an alimony award in Missouri is determined at the discretion of a judge and is dependent on numerous different factors, including the standard of living established during the marriage, the income and resources of each party, each spouse’s physical and mental state and ability for the alimony-receiving spouse to support themselves, the length of the marriage, and more. Typically, the longer that a couple has been married, the longer that an award for spousal maintenance will last. In some cases, the award may be indefinite, which means that the court orders one party to make maintenance payments to another for the remainder of their life.
When Does an Alimony Order End in Missouri?
An alimony order will terminate when:
- The date at which the order is set to terminate, per the court order, is reached;
- The maintenance-receiving spouse remarries;
- Either party dies; or
- There is a change in circumstance that is so substantial that it renders the current terms of the agreement unreasonable.
For example, an order for maintenance may be modified or terminated when the maintenance-paying party loses their job or their ability to work and make payments, when the maintenance-receiving party experiences a change in financial circumstances that makes it so they no longer need financial support, or when the maintenance-receiving party begins to cohabitate with another partner, even if they are not married.
The Process of Terminating a Spousal Maintenance Order
In order to seek a modification or termination of a spousal maintenance order, you will need to prove that circumstances have changed to the extent that the current order is unreasonable. To prove this, you will need to submit various forms of evidence, including information about your earning capacity and resources, as well as the earning capacity and resources of the party who is receiving maintenance. Unless your ex agrees with the order, it is likely that the case will be contentious.
Call Our Experienced Springfield Termination of Maintenance Attorneys
For help preparing your evidence and petition for modification, reach out to our experienced Springfield termination of maintenance attorneys at the law office of Courtney & Mills, LLC. We can answer your tough questions about spousal maintenance and modifications, help you to understand when termination of a maintenance order is appropriate, and advocate for your best interests throughout the process. Reach us today by phone or online to get started.
