SPOUSAL SUPPORT SUMMARY
Spousal support (formerly called alimony) is money paid by one former spouse to the other following divorce or dissolution. In Ohio, spousal support is not automatically awarded or appropriate in every case, but may be granted based on statutory factors and the specific circumstances of each case.
WHAT IS SPOUSAL SUPPORT?
Spousal support refers to payments made by one spouse to the other in connection with the termination of the parties’ marriage. Support can be temporary (during pending proceedings), short-term (to allow for education or training), or long-term (typically in lengthy marriages). Courts consider numerous factors when determining whether support is appropriate, how much should be paid, and for how long.
FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN OHIO
Ohio courts must consider various statutory factors outlined in R.C. 3105.18 when fashioning a spousal support award, including the:
- Income and earning abilities of both parties
- Ages and physical/mental health of both parties
- Duration of the marriage
- Standard of living established during marriage
- Education and training of both parties
- Contributions to the other’s education or earning ability
- Time needed for the recipient to acquire education or training
- Tax consequences of spousal support
- Lost income capacity due to marital responsibilities
CONSEQUENCES OF SPOUSAL SUPPORT ORDERS
Support payments must typically continue until the specified termination date or a qualifying termination event. The death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient typically terminates the support requirement, unless otherwise specified. Likewise, a divorce decree may specify that spousal support orders can modified upon a substantial change in circumstances of either party, such as a substantial change in either party’s income or the disability of a party. Failure to comply with court-ordered spousal support obligations can result in contempt proceedings.
CALL ZUKERMAN ABOUT SPOUSAL SUPPORT
Whether you are facing paying or receiving spousal support, having experienced legal representation is essential to achieving a fair outcome. Our attorneys can help you pursue an appropriate spousal support award based on your specific financial circumstances and needs or help defend you against unreasonable support demands. Without proper legal guidance, you risk either paying excessive amounts or receiving inadequate support for years to come.
Call Zukerman, Lear, Murray & Brown Co., L.P.A. today to discuss your spousal support concerns.
