Spousal Support

Understand divorce and spousal support payments in Ohio

Spousal support – also referred to as alimony or spousal maintenance – is a frequently misunderstood aspect of divorce in Ohio. The court must determine whether spousal support should be awarded in each specific case, and if so, how much spousal support should be awarded. Domestic Relations courts look at a variety of factors contained in Ohio law in order to make a determination of the proper amount and term for spousal support in each case. For both the person paying the support and the person receiving the support, there are many financial and tax implications that need to be considered.

Gena R. Larison, Attorney at Law is an experienced family law attorney that can educate you about how spousal support might impact you and will evaluate your rights and options in the process. Attorney Larison has helped many clients throughout Butler County and Warren County make determinations about their rights to spousal support and other family law and divorce issues.

Factors considered in spousal support orders

The statutes in Ohio set forth the criteria that is used by judges when considering an award of spousal support. These factors may include, but are not limited to:

• Income and earning capacity of each spouse
• Age and health status of the parties
• Length of the marriage
• Whether the parties have contributed to the education, training, or advancement of the other party
• Child support and child custody issues
• Standard of living established during the marriage
• Retirement accounts and benefits of both spouses
• Whether the recipient of support is cohabitating with another person

Judges may also consider any other factor that is deemed relevant by the court. If circumstances change after the divorce is made final, spousal support modifications may be necessary, and Gena R. Larison, Attorney at Law can help you make such adjustments.