Opinion ID: 1279429
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Other Basis for Alimony Termination Demonstrated

Text: The primary vice of the alimony phenomenon is the economic inadvisability of remarriage by the wife and the frequent remarriage by the husband. A challenge to draftsmanship in pre-divorce agreements is never more strongly needed. The evidence in this case would suggest the classic result of an alimony agreement which results in the wife's disinclination to remarry for economic reasons while seeking natural companionship: POSSLQ (persons of the opposite sex sharing living quarters). The query, either philosophic or legal, is occasioned as to whether the alimony termination can be justified as a change of circumstance when the wife accommodates a personal relationship without marriage following divorce where alimony may have been provided. We will not embark upon a journey between Skylla and Charybdis in this case for two reasons: trial evidence demonstrated that the relationship previously existent for Mrs. Johnson had ended by the date of the trial; and secondly, the agreement of the parties specified remarriage and did not include nonmarriage cohabitation as a termination basis. In this case we are not inclined to create a new rule as a substitute for draftsmanship and negotiation of the original divorce decree. We affirm the decision of the trial court that the payments are alimony and are consequently subject to modification with a proof of change of circumstance, but do not find that change of circumstance demonstrated at this time. The case is remanded for entry of an order in accord herewith and the establishment by agreement or decree of an arrangement to carry out the purposes of the separation agreement provision for income offset against alimony obligation. Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded.