in a divorce with spouse paying alimony how is retirement and reduction of alimony addressed?

It can be done either of the ways you specify, depending on what you both agree to.  If you are unable to reach an agreement, then a judge can determine the amount and duration of spousal support.  In any support ordered by the court, it is generally modifiable upon showing a material change in circumstances, such as that the payor retires.  At that time, then he could come back to court and ask for a reduction and it would be recalculated based on the situation at that time.  So, basically, if you don't agree with your husband's plan of spelling it out all out now, the court will do it your way of leaving it open-ended to be revisited later.  This however may not be the case in shorter term marriages where the court may only order support for a limited duration.  I am assuming that in your case the court will order lifetime support that will only terminate upon the death of either party, remarriage by you, or your living in a relationship analogous to marriage for more than one year. This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.