Can You Stop Paying Alimony when Your Ex Starts a New Relationship?

Alimony payments are a burden, and many of our clients are eager to stop paying as soon as possible. What happens if your ex starts a new relationship? Can you stop paying alimony, and what steps must you take?

The good news is that modification is often possible when the recipient starts a new relationship, but you need to take some legal steps. Our Jacksonville modifications lawyer explains more in this article.

You Can Stop Alimony when Your Ex Enters a “Supportive Relationship”

Florida Statute § 61.14 states that a court “must reduce or terminate” an alimony award if the court finds the recipient is in a “supportive relationship” with a non-relative. This relationship does not have to be romantic, although it usually is.

For example, your ex moving in with her mother is not a supportive relationship under the law. Moving in with a new romantic partner is.

The person paying alimony is called the “obligor,” and they need to request a modification or reduction from the court. An obligor cannot simply stop paying, otherwise any unpaid alimony will pile up as arrearages.

You will need to present evidence that the supportive relationship has existed within the 365 days of filing your petition for modification. The burden is on the spouse seeking to terminate or modify alimony.

Some useful evidence includes:

• Social media posts. Your ex could call their new partner “my boyfriend” or “my girlfriend.” These posts are persuasive evidence.
• Public records showing your ex living at the same address with someone. They could have bought property and both be listed on the deed.
• Joint financial accounts, like a joint checking account. This shows they share finances.
• Any admission your ex has made that they are in a supportive relationship. They could have admitted as much when questioned.
• Witness testimony. You could have friends in common who can testify that your ex is now living with a new partner.

When you file your petition, we can ask the court for access to certain information. For example, we might request copies of financial records to see if your ex has joint accounts with someone.

Once you establish the supportive relationship, your ex gets to argue a judge should not reduce or cut off alimony. As an example, your ex might have a disability and rely on the alimony for medical care and other expenses.

Contact Our Law Office for Assistance

If you suspect an ex is in a new relationship, continue to pay alimony until you file a petition for modification. You don’t have the right to unilaterally decide to stop paying. Anyone who stops on their own initiative could be found in contempt, and you will likely end up owing more when interest is factored in.

Contact Empowerment Law, PLLC, for help with requesting modification of alimony. Our office knows what evidence judges find useful, and we can track down public records or search social media profiles. Call our office to schedule your free consultation with a Jacksonville modifications lawyer.

Source:

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/61.14