This Trick Could Make Alimony Last Forever

When David Hasselhoff was ordered to pay $21,000 a month in alimony, it may have seemed like a small price to pay.  After all, The Hoff (as some call him) was a much sought after star in America and notably abroad.  Now, at 63 with a $100,000 a month income, that alimony payment seems more like a burden.  To make it easier for us to understand, what if it were $210 a month for someone who only makes $1000?  Does that change your mind?

In Pennsylvania, it may not matter what the numbers because the law is clear.  If you agree to pay permanent alimony, it cannot be modified.  That's right. If the court orders you to pay, it can be modified based on a change in circumstances, but if you agree on a set amount of alimony, you can't modify it.  Sounds harsh right?  Well maybe not.  The court decides what's fair based on current circumstances, therefore the Court can change the order when your fortunes change.  When you make an alimony agreement, you are gambling on future income and hoping to have certainty.

The law provides, in part, " In the absence of a specific provision to the contrary appearing in the agreement, a provision regarding the disposition of existing property rights and interests between the parties, alimony, alimony pendente lite, counsel fees or expenses shall not be subject to modification by the court."

So, before you get the divorce, get the facts.  You may not have Hasselfhoff money, but I bet you want to protect your cash anyway.