Either party may modify spousal support due to a substantial change in circumstances. If the spousal support order was an agreed order between the parties, there must be more than a substantial change in circumstances for a modification.
There are judicial limits on spousal support payments. New York has the formula to help in setting timeframes for alimony payments.
These are as follows:
For marriages up to fifteen years, support is 15% to 30% the length of the marriage;
Up to twenty, 30% to 40% the length of the marriage; and
More than twenty, 35% to 50% the length of the marriage.
If either spouse dies, the spousal support payments end. If the recipient spouse remarries, the spousal support payments terminate.