MO HB503

All spousal maintenance orders must include a termination date of no more than 120 months (10 years) from the original order date, with arrearages required to be paid in full before termination takes effect

Existing maintenance obligations not in arrears may be automatically terminated six months after maintenance has been paid for ten years, or six months after the law's effective date, whichever is later

Obligors can seek automatic termination by filing notice with the court and providing evidence that payments are current; the court must verify and terminate without a hearing

Maintenance may be extended beyond the 120-month limit if the recipient is physically or mentally incapacitated and insolvent, enrolled in an educational program, caring for a minor child, or if fundamental fairness requires continuation

Courts retain authority to modify maintenance (increase, decrease, extend, or terminate) based on substantial and continuing change of circumstances, unless the order is designated as nonmodifiable