Divorce is rarely simple — especially when financial obligations like alimony (spousal support) continue long after the marriage ends. One of the most common questions people ask after a divorce is: “Do I still have to pay alimony if my ex is living with someone else?”
In Florida, the answer depends on several legal factors, including the type of alimony, the nature of your ex-spouse’s living arrangement, and whether that relationship qualifies as a “supportive relationship” under state law. While living with another person doesn’t automatically end alimony, it can be grounds for modifying or terminating payments if certain conditions are met. Below is a summary of the issues involved but you should consult a Family Law attorney for a consultation before moving forward
Let’s take a closer look at how Florida law handles this situation.
Understanding Alimony in Florida
Alimony (or spousal support) is financial assistance one ex-spouse pays to the other after a divorce. Florida recognizes several types of alimony, including:
- Temporary alimony (during divorce proceedings)
- Bridge-the-gap alimony (short-term support for transitioning to single life)
- Rehabilitative alimony (to help an ex-spouse become self-supporting)
- Durational alimony (set for a specific period after a short or moderate marriage)
- Permanent alimony (for longer marriages where one spouse cannot meet their needs independently)
The duration and amount of alimony depend on factors like the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each party’s income, and their financial needs.
What Happens if Your Ex Starts Living With Someone?
Florida law recognizes that living with a new partner can change an ex-spouse’s financial circumstances — even if they are not remarried. Under Florida Statute §61.14(1)(b), if the receiving spouse enters into a “supportive relationship” with another person, the paying spouse may petition the court to reduce or terminate alimony.
This statute exists to prevent unfair situations where one person continues to receive alimony even though they are being financially supported by a new partner. However, the court must determine that the new relationship truly provides financial support — not merely companionship.
What Is a “Supportive Relationship”?
A “supportive relationship” means more than just dating or sharing a home. The Florida courts look at whether the ex-spouse and their new partner are functionally acting like a married couple, particularly in terms of financial interdependence.
When deciding if such a relationship exists, the court will consider factors such as:
- The extent to which the couple has pooled their income or assets.
- Are they sharing bank accounts, household bills, or major purchases?
- Whether they are supporting each other financially.
- Does the new partner pay rent, groceries, utilities, or other living expenses?
- The length of time they have lived together.
- Short-term arrangements are less persuasive than long-term cohabitation.
- Whether they present themselves as a married couple.
- Do they refer to each other as spouses or share property ownership?
- The degree of commitment shown in their relationship.
- Have they made joint investments, named each other as beneficiaries, or raised children together?
If the evidence shows a supportive relationship exists, the court may determine that continued alimony is no longer necessary — or that the amount should be reduced.
Living Together vs. Remarriage: The Key Difference
Florida law treats remarriage differently from cohabitation. If your ex-spouse remarries, your obligation to pay permanent alimony automatically ends under most circumstances. However, if they simply move in with someone, the burden is on you — the paying spouse — to prove that a supportive relationship exists and to petition the court for modification.
Simply living together isn’t enough. The court will examine evidence showing that your ex-spouse’s financial situation has improved significantly due to their new relationship.
Proving a Supportive Relationship
If you believe your ex is living with someone and benefiting financially from that arrangement, your attorney can file a petition to modify or terminate alimony. You’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim, which may include:
- Proof of shared residence (utility bills, mail, lease documents)
- Financial records showing shared accounts or expenses
- Social media or public representations of a marital-style relationship
- Witness testimony (neighbors, friends, etc.)
- Documentation of joint assets or property ownership
The court will review all evidence and may hold a hearing to determine whether a supportive relationship exists under Florida law. If it does, your payments could be reduced or stopped entirely.
Can My Ex Defend Against Modification?
Yes. Your ex-spouse has the right to argue that their new relationship is not financially supportive — that they pay their own expenses, remain financially independent, or that the cohabitation is temporary or for convenience (for example, sharing rent).
They may also claim that they still need alimony to meet their reasonable living expenses despite living with someone else. The outcome depends on the strength of the evidence presented by both sides.
Steps to Take If You Suspect a Supportive Relationship
If you believe your ex is living with a new partner and you’re still paying alimony:
- Consult an experienced family law attorney.
A lawyer familiar with Florida’s family law system can assess your case and advise whether a petition for modification is likely to succeed. - Gather documentation discreetly.
Don’t invade privacy — instead, use legal methods to collect information (such as public records, financial statements, or social media posts). - File a formal petition to modify alimony.
You must request the change through the court; payments don’t automatically stop. - Prepare for a hearing.
The court will evaluate the relationship and financial evidence before making a ruling.
The Importance of Legal Guidance
Florida’s supportive relationship laws are complex and highly fact-specific. Judges have wide discretion in determining whether a relationship qualifies and whether alimony should end. Working with a knowledgeable Florida family law attorney ensures that your petition is properly filed, evidence is presented effectively, and your financial rights are protected.
In Florida, your obligation to support an ex-spouse doesn’t automatically end when they start living with someone else — but it can end if that living arrangement qualifies as a supportive relationship under the law. The key question is whether the new relationship provides financial support similar to a marriage.
If you suspect your ex is cohabitating and benefiting financially, you have the right to ask the court to review your alimony order. The sooner you speak with a family law attorney, the better your chances of proving your case and protecting your financial interests.
