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Alimony and Spousal Support
11 min read
July 1, 2025

What happens to alimony if I remarry in Connecticut?

Getting remarried is a joyful milestone, but if you receive alimony, it also brings significant financial questions. One of the most common is, "What happens to my alimony payments if I remarry in Connecticut?" The short answer is straightforward: in most cases, your periodic alimony will automatically terminate on the date you remarry.

Navigating this transition can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to balance the excitement of a new chapter with the practical realities of your finances. This guide is here to walk you through the specifics of Connecticut law, explain the difference between remarriage and cohabitation, and provide clear, actionable steps for both the person receiving and the person paying alimony. Understanding your rights and obligations is the first step toward handling this change with confidence and clarity.

Understanding the Legal Foundation for Alimony and Remarriage

In Connecticut, the rules surrounding the termination of alimony are based on state law and the specific terms of your divorce decree. While many people assume there's a single, simple law, the reality is a bit more nuanced. The key is understanding the general rule and the critical exceptions that might apply to your case.

The concept that remarriage ends alimony is a long-standing principle in Connecticut family law. The statutes reflect this by treating remarriage as a standard event that concludes the obligation. For instance, when a judge issues a lifetime alimony award, the law requires them to state the specific reasons for doing so, acknowledging that such an order would typically end upon "the death of either party or the remarriage of the alimony recipient" (C.G.S. § 46b-82(b)). This shows that remarriage is considered a default end-point for alimony.

The most critical statute governing changes to alimony is C.G.S. § 46b-86. This law gives the court power to modify alimony but also honors agreements made by the parties. It states that final orders for periodic alimony can be "set aside, altered or modified" unless "the decree precludes modification." This is where the specific language of your divorce agreement becomes incredibly important.

The Critical Difference: Remarriage vs. Cohabitation

It's vital to understand that Connecticut law treats remarriage and cohabitation (living with a new partner) very differently.

  • Remarriage: This is a legal act. Once you are legally remarried, your right to receive future periodic alimony from your former spouse is generally extinguished automatically, unless your divorce decree explicitly says otherwise.
  • Cohabitation: This is not a legal status and does not automatically terminate alimony. If you are living with another person, your ex-spouse can file a motion with the court to reduce, suspend, or terminate your alimony. However, they have the burden of proof. According to C.G.S. § 46b-86(b), they must show the court that your living arrangement has caused "a change of circumstances as to alter the financial needs of that party." Simply living together is not enough; your ex must prove that your financial needs have decreased because of the relationship (e.g., your new partner is paying for your rent, utilities, or other expenses). This requires a court hearing and a judge's decision.

Connecticut Law Requirements for Alimony Termination

When it comes to how remarriage affects alimony in Connecticut, the rules are clear but depend entirely on the type of alimony you have and the language in your court-ordered divorce decree.

The General Rule: Automatic Termination

For most people receiving periodic alimony (regular payments like weekly or monthly), the obligation for your ex-spouse to pay ends automatically on the day you legally remarry.

  • No Court Action Needed to Stop Payments: The paying spouse does not need to file a motion or get a new court order to stop making payments. The legal obligation terminates by operation of law.
  • Applies to Periodic Alimony: This rule applies to ongoing, regular alimony payments. It does not apply to lump-sum alimony or property settlements that are sometimes paid out over time.
  • Arrears Are Still Owed: Remarriage cancels future alimony payments. It does not forgive any past-due payments (arrears) that your ex-spouse owed you from the period before you remarried. They are still legally required to pay any amount that was due and unpaid up to your wedding date.

The Exception: When Your Divorce Decree Says Otherwise

The automatic termination rule can be overridden by the specific language in your separation agreement, which is incorporated into your final divorce decree.

Under C.G.S. § 46b-86(a), a divorce decree can "preclude modification." This means you and your ex-spouse can agree to terms that are different from the standard state laws. For alimony to continue after you remarry, your decree must contain highly specific language, such as:

  • "The alimony payments shall be non-modifiable as to term and amount, and shall continue until [a specific date], notwithstanding the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation."
  • "The termination provisions of C.G.S. § 46b-86 shall not apply to this alimony award."

If your decree simply says alimony is "non-modifiable" but is silent on the issue of remarriage, the general rule of automatic termination upon remarriage will almost certainly still apply. The language must be explicit about surviving remarriage.

A Step-by-Step Guide After Remarriage

Whether you are the one paying or receiving alimony, knowing what to do when a remarriage occurs can prevent confusion, conflict, and potential legal problems.

For the Spouse Paying Alimony (Payor)

  1. Confirm the Remarriage: Before you stop payments, you should be certain that a legal marriage has occurred. You can often verify this through public records in the town where the marriage license was issued.
  2. Review Your Divorce Decree Immediately: This is the most important step. Read the alimony section carefully with your attorney to confirm there is no special language that prevents termination upon remarriage.
  3. Stop Payments: If your decree is standard, you can stop making payments as of the date of the remarriage. You are not obligated to pay for any period after that date.
  4. Address Income Withholding Orders: This is a critical step. If your alimony is paid through an income withholding order (wage garnishment), the order will not stop automatically. Your employer will continue to deduct the money until they receive a new court order. You must file a motion with the court to terminate the income withholding order. You will likely need to attach a copy of your ex-spouse's marriage certificate to your motion.
  5. Communicate Clearly: It is good practice to send a formal letter to your ex-spouse (or have your attorney do so) stating that you have ceased payments as of the date of their remarriage, in accordance with Connecticut law and your divorce decree.

For the Spouse Receiving Alimony (Payee)

  1. Understand the Financial Impact: Acknowledge that your alimony income will stop. It's crucial to plan your finances accordingly with your new spouse.
  2. Review Your Divorce Decree: Check your agreement for any specific clauses about remarriage. If you believe your alimony should continue, you must consult with an attorney immediately.
  3. Be Proactive and Honest: Do not try to hide your remarriage. If you continue to accept alimony payments after you are legally remarried, you will be required to pay all of that money back. This can create significant legal and financial hardship down the road.
  4. Confirm Stoppage of Withholding Orders: If your alimony was paid via wage withholding, make sure your ex-spouse has filed the necessary motion to stop it. If they haven't, and you continue to receive payments, you should notify them or their attorney in writing and set the funds aside, as you will have to return them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony and Remarriage in Connecticut

Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about how remarriage impacts alimony in Connecticut.

1. Does my ex have to go to court to stop paying alimony after I remarry?

Generally, no. The legal obligation to pay periodic alimony automatically ends on the date of your remarriage. However, if your alimony is paid through an income withholding order from their paycheck, your ex-spouse must go to court to file a motion to have that specific order terminated.

2. What happens if I don't tell my ex-spouse that I got remarried?

Hiding a remarriage while continuing to collect alimony is a serious mistake. Once your ex-spouse discovers the marriage, they can take you to court. A judge will almost certainly order you to repay every dollar of alimony you received from the date of your marriage onward. You could also be ordered to pay your ex-spouse's attorney's fees for having to bring the matter to court.

3. Is living with a new partner the same as getting remarried for alimony purposes?

No. As explained in C.G.S. § 46b-86(b), cohabitation does not automatically end alimony. Your ex-spouse must file a motion and prove in court that your financial needs have been reduced because of your living situation. This is a completely different legal standard and process than remarriage.

4. My divorce decree says my alimony is "non-modifiable." Does it still end if I remarry?

It depends on the exact wording. If the decree says alimony is "non-modifiable as to amount and term" but says nothing about remarriage, it will likely still terminate upon remarriage. For alimony to survive remarriage, the agreement must contain very clear and explicit language stating that the payments will continue notwithstanding the recipient's remarriage.

5. What happens if my new marriage is annulled? Can my alimony be reinstated?

Generally, no. Once the alimony obligation is terminated by a legal remarriage, a subsequent annulment of that new marriage does not automatically revive the alimony from your first marriage. The termination is considered permanent. This can be a complex legal issue, and you should seek legal advice for your specific situation.

6. Can I get alimony again from my first spouse if my second marriage ends in divorce?

No. The termination of alimony from your first marriage upon your remarriage is final. You cannot go back and ask for it to be reinstated. Any potential alimony in the future would have to come from your second spouse.

7. Does the paying spouse's remarriage affect the alimony I receive?

The paying spouse's remarriage does not automatically change or terminate their alimony obligation to you. However, it could potentially be considered a "substantial change in circumstances" that might warrant a modification. For example, if their new spouse has significant income and their own expenses decrease, you could argue for an increase. Conversely, if their expenses increase significantly due to their new family, they might file a motion to try and reduce their payment. Any change would require a motion and a court hearing.

Getting Help from a Connecticut Divorce Attorney

The end of alimony payments is a major financial event. Whether you are paying or receiving, it is wise to consult with an experienced Connecticut family law attorney to ensure you are following the law and protecting your rights.

An attorney can:

  • Review your divorce decree to give you a clear interpretation of its terms.
  • Help you file the necessary motion to terminate an income withholding order.
  • Represent you in court if there is a dispute over cohabitation or the meaning of your agreement.
  • Provide peace of mind that you are handling the situation correctly.

Please remember, this article provides general information about Connecticut law and is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney regarding your specific circumstances.

Conclusion: Plan for the Change

For anyone dealing with alimony and remarriage in Connecticut, the key takeaway is to be proactive. The law is clear: periodic alimony typically ends automatically when the recipient remarries, unless your divorce decree is one of the rare exceptions that explicitly states otherwise.

If you are the paying spouse, verify the marriage, review your decree, and take the necessary steps to stop any wage withholding orders. If you are the receiving spouse, understand that this income stream will end and plan your new life accordingly. By understanding the rules and communicating clearly, both parties can navigate this transition smoothly and avoid unnecessary conflict and legal expense.

Disclaimer: Legal Information, Not Legal Advice

This article provides general information about Connecticut divorce law and procedures. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Every divorce case is unique, and laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified Connecticut family law attorney.

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