Q: Awarded Alimony for life & will it stop if move in to boyfriend’s rented apt?
I've been granted lifelong alimony due to a lengthy marriage. According to my divorce decree, alimony ceases only upon remarriage or death. My concern is whether moving into my boyfriend's rented place would affect this arrangement. Renting in CA is expensive, so this seems like a viable option, and I've offered to contribute to utilities and groceries. However, my ex is using this to argue that I no longer require alimony and is threatening legal action. He's even demanding to know my boyfriend's yearly income. Can he or the court make such intrusive demands, especially since we're not married? Do I need to consider moving out to avoid this harassment?
A:
Under California law, alimony is typically governed by the specific terms set forth in your divorce decree. If your agreement states that alimony only ceases upon remarriage or death, then cohabitating with a partner doesn't automatically end your alimony payments. However, the situation can be more nuanced.
Your ex-husband's concern and his actions suggesting that your financial needs have decreased due to your new living arrangement might prompt a court to reassess your alimony. While moving in with your boyfriend and contributing to household expenses is not the same as remarrying, courts can consider whether your living situation has substantially changed your financial circumstances.
As for the demands to know your boyfriend's income, the court might consider this information relevant in assessing your financial needs if a formal request to modify alimony is made. To navigate these complex issues, it might be beneficial to seek guidance on how to best protect your interests while maintaining your current living arrangement.
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