my final alimony payment should be ending soon, I am not sure if I have to contact someone or does the payments end automatically?

The last thing in the world you ever want to do is presume that someone knows that your alimony obligation is scheduled to end and that they will take steps to stop collecting money from you. Instead, you need to immediately contact your ex and have her acknowledge that upon receipt of this payment, your obligation ends. If possible, get it in writing from her. When you make the last payment, sign the check with the notation that it is the final payment. If she will not sign something for you, then send her an email confirming your understanding that this is the final payment. I dont know if you are paying through probation or through a wage garnishment, but if you are, then you need to immediately notify your probation department officer that this is your last payment and that you need confirmation of the termination of the account upon this payment. Do it in writing and make sure you include your CS# and make sure that you dont simply leave a message on his voicemail. Its your responsibility to ensure that he knows and takes action now to terminate the account upon receipt of the last payment. Otherwise, it may take more time and more payments, and you may then be chasing your ex to recoup payments made to her after the deadline.