Can I stop paying spousal support to my ex after I retire? My divorce decree does not have an end date for support.

A divorce decree is a court order, and you must pay spousal support (also called spousal maintenance or alimony) as ordered unless the court changes it. Stopping or reducing payments without court approval could result in contempt of court. 

If you and your ex agree to change spousal support, you should put the agreement in writing. You can try mediation to reach an agreement outside of court. If you and your ex cannot agree on a change to the spousal support, you can file a Motion to Modify Spousal Maintenance in court. 

To modify spousal support, you must show:  

1. A substantial change in circumstances since the time of the divorce, such as reduced income, increased expenses, or changed financial needs, AND 

2. That the existing maintenance order has become unreasonable and unfair because of the change. 

Forms for filing a Motion to Modify Spousal Maintenance are available at the Minnesota Judicial Branch website under “Spousal Support”