Modifying or Ending Alimony in Connecticut
Connecticut alimony can be modified after judgment on a substantial change in circumstances, or reduced or ended if the recipient lives with another person in a way that alters his or her needs, unless the decree precludes it; a change cannot reach back before notice of the motion was served.
Substantial change in circumstances
After the date of judgment, alimony can be modified on a showing of a substantial change in circumstances of either party, and any final order of alimony may be changed unless the decree precludes modification (Conn. Gen. Stat. 46b-86(a)). The court then considers the criteria in section 46b-82. The party asking for the change has the burden of proof.
No retroactive modification, with one exception
No order for periodic payment of permanent alimony or support may be subject to retroactive modification, except that the court may order modification for any period during which a motion to modify is pending, from the date of service of notice of the motion on the other party. That is why the date of service matters: use the Connecticut alimony calculator to see how far back a change could reach.
Living with another person
Under Section 46b-86(b), in a case in which a final judgment provides for periodic alimony, the court may, on notice and hearing, modify the judgment and suspend, reduce or terminate periodic alimony on a showing that the recipient is living with another person under circumstances that the court finds should result in a change because the living arrangements cause such a change of circumstances as to alter the recipient’s financial needs. Living with someone is not enough alone: the arrangement must alter the recipient’s needs.
Death and remarriage
An order whose terms provide that it will terminate only on the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient must be explained with specificity, which shows these are the usual ending events. Check your decree and any agreement for what it says about them.
What can block a change
A decree can preclude modification of alimony, and an agreement can say alimony ends on cohabitation. Read the exact words of your decree before you file, and ask a licensed Connecticut attorney how courts have read similar terms.
Filing and serving the motion
Because a modification can reach back only to service of notice of the pending motion, serve it promptly and keep proof of the date of service.
Documents to gather
Bring the decree, proof of what has changed (income, health, retirement, the recipient’s living arrangement), and the date and proof of service of your motion.
Frequently asked questions
How do I modify alimony in Connecticut?
File a motion and show a substantial change in circumstances of either party, unless the decree precludes modification.
Can Connecticut alimony changes be retroactive?
Only for the period a motion to modify is pending, from the date notice of the motion was served on the other party.
Does living with a partner end alimony in Connecticut?
Not automatically. The court may modify, suspend, reduce or terminate alimony if the recipient lives with another person under circumstances that alter the recipient's financial needs.
Can a Connecticut decree bar alimony modification?
Yes. A final order of alimony may be changed unless and to the extent the decree precludes modification.
Who has the burden of proof in a Connecticut alimony modification?
The party asking for the change must prove the substantial change in circumstances.
Official sources
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Connecticut statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Connecticut attorney.