There are so many reasons for getting divorced and so many ways to experience the process. If the end of your marriage represents freedom or was the result of your falling in love with somebody else, then getting remarried may be the first thing you want to do. If the divorce came as a shock or as part of a betrayal – or if the divorce itself was incredibly toxic – the idea of getting married again may be the furthest thing from your mind. Whatever your situation, preferences, or goals, it is important for you to know your rights and obligations once your marriage has officially ended. Here is what you need to know about remarriage and how it will affect everything that was agreed to in the course of your divorce.

You can remarry right away – The first thing you need to understand is that the moment that all of your divorce documents have been finalized, you are free to remarry. There is no waiting period. Of course, attempting to remarry before the process is over is an entirely different story. If you successfully go through a marriage process the nuptials will be nullified.

If you are receiving alimony it will end – If you are receiving alimony payments as part of your divorce agreement, your remarriage will terminate your ex-spouse’s obligation to may payments. They can immediately file a motion to terminate your payments, and if you remarry without telling them and have continued to receive payments, there is a good chance you are going to have to pay them back for any payments received since your remarriage. If you are the paying spouse and you choose to remarry, you will still be obligated to make your payments.

If you choose to live with somebody instead of getting remarried – If you are divorced and are receiving alimony payments as part of your divorce agreement, cohabitating with anybody of the opposite sex who is not a relative will also nullify your eligibility for payments. Opting out of marriage and just living with your romantic partner will not protect your payments. If you are the paying spouse and you choose to cohabitate with a romantic partner, you will still be obligated to make your payments.

For more information on your legal rights during and after the divorce process, speak to one of our experienced divorce attorneys.