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Alimony Serving Columbus and Central Ohio Since 1977

Columbus Alimony Attorneys

Understanding Columbus Spousal Support Regulations

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a court-ordered payment that one spouse makes to the other after a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage. Alimony is not awarded in every divorce case, and the amount and duration of alimony payments can vary widely.

At Kemp, Schaeffer & Rowe Co., L.P.A., our Columbus alimony lawyers have been helping clients navigate the complexities of alimony laws in Ohio for over 20 years. We understand how important it is to secure a fair alimony arrangement, and we are prepared to fight for your best interests every step of the way.

Call (614) 665-5833 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team today.

How Is Alimony Calculated in Ohio?

Unlike child support, there is no specific formula for calculating alimony in Ohio. Instead, the court will consider a variety of factors when determining whether to award alimony and, if so, how much to award and for how long.

Some of the factors the court will consider when making an alimony determination include:

  • The duration of the marriage
  • The standard of living established during the marriage
  • The age, physical health, and emotional health of each spouse
  • The earning capacity of each spouse
  • The education level of each spouse
  • The time and expense required for the lower-earning spouse to acquire the education and training necessary to find appropriate employment
  • The income of each spouse
  • The assets and liabilities of each spouse
  • The contribution of each spouse to the education, training, or earning ability of the other spouse
  • The time and expense required for the lower-earning spouse to acquire the education and training necessary to find appropriate employment
  • The time and expense required for the lower-earning spouse to acquire the education and training necessary to find appropriate employment
  • The tax consequences of the alimony award
  • Any other factor the court deems relevant

It is important to note that, in Ohio, alimony is not intended to be punitive. The court will not consider any marital misconduct when making an alimony determination. This means that if one spouse cheated on the other, the court will not consider this fact when deciding whether to award alimony or how much to award.

How Long Does Alimony Last in Ohio?

Like the amount of alimony, the duration of alimony can vary widely. In some cases, alimony may only be awarded for a few months. In other cases, alimony may be awarded for the rest of the recipient’s life.

In general, the longer the marriage, the longer the alimony award will last. However, this is not always the case. If the lower-earning spouse is relatively young and healthy, the court may determine that they are capable of becoming self-supporting within a few years. In this case, the court may only award alimony for a short period of time.

Conversely, if the lower-earning spouse is older and has significant health problems, the court may determine that they will never be able to become self-supporting. In this case, the court may award permanent alimony.

Can Alimony Be Modified in Ohio?

Alimony can be modified in Ohio, but only if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. For example, if the paying spouse loses their job, they may be able to have their alimony obligation reduced. Conversely, if the receiving spouse gets a significant raise, the paying spouse may be able to have their alimony obligation reduced or eliminated.

It is important to note that, in Ohio, alimony automatically terminates if the receiving spouse remarries or begins living with a new romantic partner. If the receiving spouse is living with a new partner, the paying spouse can file a motion to terminate alimony. If the receiving spouse remarries, alimony will automatically terminate.

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