The ability to modify an alimony award depends on whether the award was set forth in a Separation Agreement or a Court Order. If the terms of the alimony award are set out in a Court Order, the monthly amount may be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances regarding the parties’ incomes or needs. The paying party must apply to the Court for a modification of the alimony amount before reducing his or her payments. However, alimony awards set forth in a Separation Agreement are usually not able to be modified or may be modified based on the occurrence of a specific set of circumstances previously agreed to and included in the Agreement. In most cases, the parties must agree in writing to a modified alimony amount when set forth in a Separation Agreement.