When couples divorce, the court may order one spouse to pay the other, either permanently or until the case is finalized. Unlike child support and a share of the marital assets, one party’s divorce lawyer must petition the court for alimony—or “spousal support” as it’s known in Ohio. If your marriage is coming to an end, understanding the laws in your state will help ensure a fair outcome.

An Overview of Spousal Support in Ohio

What is temporary and permanent spousal support?

If you don’t have the resources to establish a new life and support yourself, your divorce lawyer may ask the court to order temporary payments, which lasts until the divorce is finalized. Permanent spousal support is typically reserved for situations in which one spouse has significantly fewer resources and insufficient skills to quickly find gainful employment.

How are spousal support amounts calculated?

In Ohio, there is no specific formula for calculating a fair spousal support payment amount. Instead, courts make decisions based on a wide range of factors, including the income and assets of each party, their earning potential, and the contribution they made to the marriage.

How long does spousal support last?

Most temporary spousal support orders terminate when the divorce is finalized. However, the court may set another date or place other conditions on spousal support. For instance, they may require payments to continue until the receiving spouse finishes an educational or job training program.

When can spousal support be terminated?

To amend a permanent spousal support order, your divorce lawyer will have to prove that either party has experienced a substantial change in their material circumstances. This may include a dramatic, involuntary change in income, the remarriage of the recipient spouse, or the death of either party. In Ohio, these modifications are not automatic, so you must petition the court to change or terminate the payment amount.

Since 1980, the divorce lawyers at Ibold & O'Brien have provided detailed legal advice and effective representation to clients throughout Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula, and Cuyahoga counties. If you’re going through a divorce, you can rely on their team to help ensure you receive everything to which you’re entitled. Visit their website for more information on their broad array of family law services, follow their Twitter page for regular updates and legal insight, and call (440) 285-3511 to schedule an initial consultation today.