--- title: Can I End Permanent Alimony (Spousal Support) description: As part of the divorce process, the court may award an alimony payment. The question becomes “is this alimony payment requirement really permanent?” The answer is “it depends.” image: https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/money.jpg --- [![Goosman Lawfirm](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Goosmannlaw%20October2017/images/Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png?width=1250&name=Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png "Goosman Lawfirm")](http://goosmannlaw.com/) - [COVID-19 Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - Our Team - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/attorneys/) - [Non-Attorney Staff](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/non-attorney-staff/) - Practices & Industries - [Practices](https://goosmannlaw.com/practices/) - [Banking & Finance](https://goosmannlaw.com/banking-finance/) - [Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workouts](https://goosmannlaw.com/bankruptcy-restructuring-workouts/) - [Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/business/) - [Divorce & Family Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/divorce-family-law/) - [Employment](https://goosmannlaw.com/employment-law/) - [Environmental, Health & Safety](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-safety/) - [Estate Planning](https://trustlawcounsel.com) - [Gestational Surrogacy & Adoption](https://goosmannlaw.com/gestational-surrogacy-adoption/) - [International Law](http://goosmannlaw.com/international-law/) - [Litigation / Trial Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/litigation-trial-law/) - [Local Counsel](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/local-counsel/) - [Mergers & Acquisitions](https://goosmannlaw.com/mergers-acquisitions/) - [Rapid Response](https://goosmannlaw.com/rapid-response/) - [Industries](https://goosmannlaw.com/industries/) - [Agribusiness & Cooperatives](https://goosmannlaw.com/agribusiness-cooperatives/) - [Construction](https://goosmannlaw.com/construction/) - [Cyber Law and Telecommunications](https://goosmannlaw.com/cyber-law/) - [Education](https://goosmannlaw.com/education/) - [Health Care](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-care/) - [Manufacturing](https://goosmannlaw.com/manufacturing-law/) - [Multifamily Housing](https://goosmannlaw.com/multifamily-housing-law/) - [Non-Profit & Tax Exempt Organizations](https://goosmannlaw.com/non-profit-law/) - [Real Estate](https://goosmannlaw.com/real-estate/) - [Transportation](https://goosmannlaw.com/transportation/) - [Tribal](https://goosmannlaw.com/tribal/) - Our Firm - [Firm News](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/firm-news) - Careers - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/attorneys/) - [Administration](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/administration/) - [Internships](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/internships/) - [Client Testimonials and Results](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/client-testimonials-and-results/) - [Culture, Diversity, and Community](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/culture-diversity-and-community/) - [Women-Owned Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/women-owned-business/) - [Associations & Memberships](https://goosmannlaw.com/associations-memberships/) - [Firm History](https://goosmannlaw.com/firm-history/) - Blogs - [CEO Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/ceo-on-your-side) - [Construction Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Cyber Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Deal Maker](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/deal-maker-on-your-side) - [Divorce Docket](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Food for Thought](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/agricultural-lawyer-on-your-side) - [HR Legal Insider](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side) - [Law Doc](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/health-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Paralegal Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/paralegal-review/) - [Real Estate Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/real-estate-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Risky Business](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/risk-manager-on-your-side) - [The Banker’s Suit](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/banking-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trial Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/trial-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trust Law Counsel](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side) - Resources - [COVID-19 Resource Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - [Podcast](http://podcast.goosmannlaw.com/) - [Videos](https://goosmannlaw.com/videos/) - [FREE eBooks & Tools](https://goosmannlaw.com/free-ebooks-tools/) - Contact Us - [Office Locations](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/) - [Sioux City Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-city-law-firm/) - [Sioux Falls Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-falls-law-firm/) - [Omaha Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/omaha-law-firm/) - [Spirit Lake & Spencer Law Firms](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/spirit-lake-and-spencer-law-firm/) - [Real Estate Closings Office](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/real-estate-closing-office/) - [Submit a Testimonial](https://goosmannlaw.com/submit-a-testimonial/) - [Sign Up for Our Newsletter](https://goosmannlaw.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/) - [Pay Online](https://goosmannlaw.com/pay-online-3/) - [  (855) 843-4531](tel:855-843-4531) ![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/close-button.png) [tel:855-THE-GLF1](tel:855-THE-GLF1) [Divorce & Family Law](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-family-law) [Divorce](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce) # [Can I End Permanent Alimony (Spousal Support)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/can-i-end-permanent-alimony-spousal-support) By [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)   |  8, July 2016 [READ NOW](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/can-i-end-permanent-alimony-spousal-support) [Read Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/can-i-end-permanent-alimony-spousal-support#article) [![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Logo1.jpg?width=60&name=Logo1.jpg)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team) [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)  Tags: [Divorce & Family Law](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-family-law) [Divorce](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce) ![Can I End Permanent Alimony (Spousal Support)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/money.jpg?width=745&name=money.jpg "Can I End Permanent Alimony (Spousal Support)") As part of the divorce process, the court may award an alimony (or spousal support) payment. Depending on the type of alimony awarded, this obligation could be permanent. The awarding of permanent alimony can be particularly difficult situation to accept and it certainly isn’t easy on you financially. The question becomes “is this alimony payment requirement really permanent?” The answer is “it depends.” Here we’ll discuss how to end permanent alimony. Permanent alimony, as its name suggests, has no specific end. Therefore, determining if you can stop your alimony payments depends on two things: why the alimony was awarded to your ex and what has changed since it was awarded. Alimony can be awarded for a number of reasons. Contributions to or sacrifices for the marriage have the most significant impact on alimony awards. If your spouse gave up educational or workplace advancements for your marriage, the court will likely award alimony, as it’s likely that your ex’s financial situation would have been better without the marriage. The court carefully examines the earning potential of you and your spouse, as well as the debt each party has incurred. Beyond this, the court will be pragmatic: who is going to live longer? These factors, and many more, influence a judge’s ruling in a divorce. In awarding alimony, it’s likely that your judge listed one of the above reasons as to why it is being paid. Once you or your spouse experiences a change that invalidates the reason provided by the judge, it’s possible that you’re eligible to end your alimony payments. For example, if the judge cited that you’re financially prepared and your spouse isn’t, but you experience a traumatic injury that wipes out your retirement fund, this is new information that the court can use to terminate your alimony payments. Acceptable instances of the termination of permanent alimony usually are cases where unexpected events happen. Whenever the receiving party remarries or enters into a supporting relationship, you should notify the court, as alimony may then be ended. A supporting relationship means that the spouse lives with another person and shares living expenses. If it can be proven that the receiving spouse is involved in a new supporting relationship, the paying party can petition to terminate alimony payments. It is also possible to end alimony through closely reading any prenuptial agreements made. It’s very common for spouses to spell out the terms of alimony in prenuptial agreements. By combing through your agreement, if applicable, you might find that what would otherwise be permanent alimony has loopholes. For example, if the receiving party suddenly makes more than the paying party or if one party was unfaithful during the marriage. Stopping alimony payments can be confusing. You should never violate your court order by stopping alimony payments yourself. If you believe you have a legal reason to reevaluate your alimony ruling, contact a licensed attorney at [Goosmann Law Firm](http://goosmannlaw.com/) to help you file a petition. Read more from our Divorce Lawyer on Your Side blog [here](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side).  [![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/ec70fe7d-ad02-40c5-93ba-4800375ab6e9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/ec70fe7d-ad02-40c5-93ba-4800375ab6e9) ### Select Different CTA for each Post from Blog Editor [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422) ### Subscribe Our Blog Thanks for submission!! - Recent - Popular ### Posts by Topic - [Divorce & Family Law (91)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-family-law) - [Family Law News and Insights (52)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/family-law-news-and-insights) - [Divorce (19)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce) - [Divorce Attorney (6)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-attorney) - [Child Custody (5)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/child-custody) - [Firm News (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/firm-news) - [20/20/20 Rule (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/20-20-20-rule) - [Agriculture (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/agriculture) - [CEO (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/ceo) - [COVID-19 (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/covid-19) - [Fertility (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/fertility) - [Guardianship (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/guardianship) - [Human Resources (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/human-resources) - [In Vitro (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/in-vitro) - [Iowa Divorce (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/iowa-divorce) - [Litigation & Trial (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/litigation-trial) - [Litigation News and Insights (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/litigation-news-and-insights) - [Real Estate News and Insights (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/real-estate-news-and-insights) - [Social Security Benefits (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/social-security-benefits) - [Trust Law Counsel (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/trust-law-counsel) DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By visiting this website, blog, or post you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Goosmann Law Firm attorneys and website publisher. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Goosmann Law Firm, PLC, or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. #### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. [Previous Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/take-it-or-leave-it-banking-and-finance-tips-for-your-divorce) ##### [Take It or Leave It: Banking and Finance Tips for Your Divorce](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/take-it-or-leave-it-banking-and-finance-tips-for-your-divorce) [Next Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/how-updates-to-the-usfspa-may-affect-your-military-divorce) ##### [How Updates to the USFSPA May Affect Your Military Divorce](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/how-updates-to-the-usfspa-may-affect-your-military-divorce) ### Contact Info **Sioux City Location** P. 712-226-4000 F. (712) 224-4517 **Sioux Falls Location** P. (605) 371-2000 F. (605) 275-2039 **Omaha Location** P. (402) 280-7648 F. (402) 505-3967 --- [Disclaimer](http://goosmannlaw.com/list-all-blogs/disclaimer/) | [Privacy Policy](http://goosmannlaw.com/privacy-policy/) ### Locations **Sioux City Location** 410 5th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 **Sioux Falls Location** 5010 S. Minnesota Avenue, Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57108 **Omaha Location** Advent Building 17838 Burke Street, Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68118 ![Goosmann](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/goosmann-white.png?width=250&name=goosmann-white.png "Goosmann") Goosmann Law Firm is a FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM with locations in Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Omaha, Nebraska. Goosmann Law attorneys are licensed to practice in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Their attorney team's practices and industries include but are not limited to Agribusiness and Cooperatives, Banking and Finance, Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Workouts, Business, Construction, Cyber Law and Telecommunications, Divorce and Family Law, Education, Employment, Environmental Health and Safety, Gestational Surrogacy and Adoption, Health Care, Litigation and Trial Law, Manufacturing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Municipal, Nonprofit and Tax Exempt Organizations, Real Estate, and Transportation, Tribal, Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, and Probate Law. Goosmann © Copyright 2017