Downward Modification of Alimony: What is a “Supportive Relationship?”

Section 61.14, Florida Statutes, contains a provision that allows a court to modify or terminate an order for alimony if the obligee (the person receiving alimony) is in a “supportive relationship.” So what is a supportive relationship?

What is a "supportive relationship?"

Fortunately, the statute provides guidelines to identify such a relationship.  Considerations include the following:

• Whether and the extent to which the obligee and other person have acted as husband and wife, such as by referring to one another as spouses;
• Whether the obligee and other person have used the same last name;

• Whether the obligee and other person have consistently resided with one another and used the same mailing address;
• Whether and the extent to which the obligee and other person have pooled their financial resources, such as by utilizing a common checking or savings account; and
• Whether the obligee and other person have made any large purchases, such as real estate, together.

It is up to the obligor (the person paying alimony) to prove that a supportive relationship exists between the obligee and another person.

If you are looking to modify or terminate an alimony award and know or suspect that your former spouse is in a supportive relationship, you should contact a family law attorney to discuss your options.