New York, NY family law attorney Lisa Zeiderman talks about how you can avoid paying alimony. There are several ways an individual can avoid paying alimony. The first and simplest option is for both spouses to sign a prenuptial agreement before marriage, waiving the right to receive alimony. This is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the primary reasons to have a prenuptial agreement, as it can prevent future alimony obligations in case of divorce.

If a prenuptial agreement was not signed, a postnuptial agreement offers another option, allowing spouses to waive alimony during the marriage. This approach also serves as an effective way to avoid future alimony obligations.

Another strategy to reduce the likelihood of alimony payments is to encourage the other spouse to pursue a full and independent career. When a spouse stays home to manage the household or care for children, they tend to be more financially dependent, which can result in alimony obligations if a divorce occurs. By supporting a spouse in career training and development, and providing assistance like childcare, one can help promote their financial independence and lessen the potential for alimony payments in the future.