The Spousal Support Review When Child Support Ends provision addresses whether spousal support payments will be reviewed or modified once child support obligations have concluded. This review can help adjust the financial arrangement to reflect changes in the overall financial responsibilities of both parties.

Options:

1. Yes:

   • Definition: Selecting Yes means that once child support payments end, spousal support will be subject to a review. This review allows both parties to reassess the need for ongoing spousal support and determine whether it should continue, be increased, reduced, or terminated.

   • When to Use: This option is useful when child support and spousal support are closely connected, and the end of child support may impact the financial needs of the recipient or the ability of the payor to continue making payments.

   • Example: If the child turns 18 and child support ends, the spousal support arrangement will be reviewed to assess whether the recipient still requires the same level of support or whether the payor can afford to continue the current payments.

   • Benefits: This provision ensures that spousal support payments are adjusted to reflect the reduced financial responsibility of the payor once child support ends. It allows for flexibility and ensures that the support arrangement remains fair and relevant to both parties’ financial situations.

   • Legal Implications: The agreement should specify the conditions for review and outline the process for reassessing spousal support, ensuring that both parties are clear on how the review will be conducted and what factors will be considered.

2. No:

   • Definition: Selecting No means that spousal support will not be subject to review when child support ends. The spousal support payments will continue as originally agreed upon, regardless of the change in financial responsibilities due to the conclusion of child support.

   • When to Use: This option is useful when both parties agree that spousal support should remain unchanged, even after child support payments end. It may be suitable in cases where spousal support is independent of child support or when there is no significant change in the financial circumstances of either party after child support ends.

   • Example: Even after the child turns 18 and child support ends, the spousal support payments will continue at the same level without any review or modification.

   • Benefits: Provides certainty and simplicity by keeping the spousal support arrangement unchanged. It avoids the need for future reviews or adjustments, giving both parties clear expectations about the duration and amount of spousal support.

   • Legal Implications: By selecting No, both parties agree that spousal support will remain static and will not be reviewed or adjusted based on the conclusion of child support payments.

Why This Matters:

Including a Review When Child Support Ends provision ensures that the spousal support arrangement is aligned with the financial realities of both parties as their child-related obligations come to an end. Selecting Yes allows for flexibility and fairness, while selecting No provides predictability and finality.