If you have a divorce settlement where you have to pay spousal support, you know how much of a burden that payment can be each month. You may feel annoyed that you have to pay this every month. But under California law, spousal support is not designed to last forever, and it can be modified. There are several reasons why a spousal support can be modified, and cohabitation is one common reason.
If an ex is cohabitating with another person, it is reason under California law to have a spousal order changed. If you can prove that your ex is cohabitating with another person, it is up to them to show that continued support payments are necessary.
Proving cohabitation
There are many ways in which you can prove your ex-spouse is cohabitating with another person. These include:
- Checking social media. If your ex is posting pictures of them with another person you should be screen-shotting those posts. Anything that shows them living together is a bonus.
- Talk to neighbors. If you think your ex is living with another person you can check with their neighbors to see if they have seen anything. If they say they see your spouse there all the time, it may indicate cohabitation.
- Private investigator. Hiring a private investigator who can track where your spouse goes after work can be helpful in proving that they are cohabitating with someone else.
A legal professional who is skilled in family law can advise their client on their spousal support questions. They can help modify an existing spousal support order and offer their advice on the future of spousal support on your specific situation.