Can an alimony order be terminated?

An alimony order for an indefinite term will terminate, pursuant to the applicable statute, if

  1. the parties resume marital relations
  2. the dependent spouse remarries
  3. the dependent spouse cohabits with another adult in a private heterosexual or homosexual relationship
  4. the dependent spouse dies
  5. the supporting spouse dies.

The order itself, of course, may provide for its own expiration on a predetermined date. If one of the previously listed events occurs prior to the fixed date, then the order will terminate on that earlier date. Where the issue of spousal support is decided by separation agreement and property settlement, the parties may negotiate for whatever termination conditions they wish.

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