I've been studying SPY dividend information on ETFConnect.com It shows 6/19 as the last Ex-Date and 7/31 as the Payable Date. It doesn't show the upcoming Ex-Date in September, but I'm sure it's consistent from previous years. Ok, let's say in our example that it's a few days before the Sept 15 Ex-Day. In my portfolio, I am short 100 shares of SPY, and/or I wrote a SPY call short, and/or I wrote a SPY put. If any or all of these scenarios were true in my account, would I be able to get out of the obligation of paying the dividends by liquidating each position a day or two 'BEFORE' the Ex Day? If so, can you get right back in a few days later? I do appreciate the help. J