Q: Can I reduce the alimony amount I paid? She is capable and able to work, she just doesn’t want to do it. What can I do?

A: First step is to read your settlement agreement carefully and make sure that your alimony is modifiable. If yes, then you need to file a Motion for Modification and explain your reasons for asking for the reduction. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

A: The advice given to you by Mr. Lieber is correct. All I am doing is giving you some other possibilities.

1. If the divorce agreement calls for temporary alimony it will have a future date when it ends, so if that date is close, consider waiting.

2. If the date is too far in the future, consider offering to pay a "lump sum" alimony (that's what I did) to stop the monthly bleeding.

3. If the divorce agreement calls for permanent alimony (very unusual) or if the future date is too far away, you will need to file for a modification, the basis of which should include "changed circumstances."

4. Caveat: Do not base any challenge solely on the fact that "the children are in high school." Why? Because that is the time when the children cost much more to support.

5. If (or when) the children reach majority age (18), that fact is the best "changed circumstance" to raise.

6. If your financial situation has changed for the worse, that is another great "changed circumstance."

7. Finally, you might want to consider agreeing to increase the amount of child support you are paying in return for a reduction in alimony, dollar for dollar. (Most dads do not object if the money is for child support instead of alimony.)