Life changes, and so do financial situations. When someone retires or switches careers, their income often shifts significantly. This can affect spousal support agreements made during a divorce. Maryland law allows for adjustments when one person’s financial picture changes.
How spousal support works in Maryland
In Maryland, the courts base spousal support, also called alimony, on one person’s need and the other person’s ability to pay. Courts consider many factors, including each person’s income, age, health, and the length of the marriage. Spousal support can be temporary or long-term, depending on the situation.
However, it doesn’t always stay the same. If a major life event, such as retirement or a career change, impacts income, a court can review and modify the original agreement.
Maryland courts do not automatically adjust support when someone retires or changes jobs, so the person paying support must file a request to modify the order. That individual must show that they retired in good faith and that it caused a clear drop in income.
What to expect in the review process
Courts look at whether the person actually planned the retirement and took it at a normal retirement age. If the court agrees the change is reasonable, it may reduce or end the spousal support.
The same rule applies to career changes. If someone changes jobs and earns much less than before, they can ask the court to lower their support payments, but the court will ask why the change happened. If the job switch was voluntary and avoidable, the court may not allow a reduction. The change must be significant and not meant to avoid paying support.
The person asking for the change must show detailed proof of their new income and expenses. The court will also look at whether the person receiving support still needs it. If that person has become self-supporting or had an increase in income, the court might agree to reduce or stop payments.
Retirement and career changes often mark a new chapter in life. They can also affect long-standing financial agreements. Understanding how to adjust spousal support helps both people plan better and avoid surprises.
