Columbus, Ohio Spousal Support Attorney
When you are getting a divorce, it is important to retain a family law attorney who understands Ohio divorce laws and the factors used by Ohio courts in making decisions about child custody, child support and spousal maintenance. At the law office of Richard L. Morris Co. L.P.A., we are pleased to offer experienced legal representation to people throughout Central Ohio. To contact our Gahanna, Ohio, family law office, call 614-428-0052 or contact us online.
Determining Spousal Support (Alimony) in Ohio
Although there is no magic formula that defines with mathematical precision the eligibility for or size of a spousal support award, there are several factors that a court must consider when making determinations about spousal support (sometimes referred to as spousal maintenance or alimony). These factors are set out in Ohio Revised Code 3105.18.
Factors set out by the Ohio Code to determine what, if any, spousal support will be ordered include the parties':
- Income
- Earning capacity
- Retirement benefits
- Education
- Assets (including how assets are being divided in property division )
Ohio courts must also consider factors occurring during the parties' marriage when determining spousal support awards, including:
- The standard of living established by the parties during their marriage
- The length of the marriage
- Any lost earning capacity a spouse has incurred as a result of his or her marital contributions (e.g. lost earning capacity as a result of being a stay at home mom or dad, or supporting your spouse while he or she pursued higher education).
Family courts will also consider future ramifications of a spousal support award, including the amount of time it may take a husband or wife to acquire necessary training or education and be able to support him or herself. The Court will also consider the tax implications of alimony payments or an award of spousal maintenance. Finally, the court has discretion to consider any other factor it considers relevant, even if not specifically enumerated in the code.
Contact a Columbus Divorce and Spousal Support Attorney
To learn more about spousal maintenance, we encourage you to contact divorce lawyer Richard L. Morris for assistance. Our law office handles spousal support matters during a divorce as well as motions for modification of spousal support orders. To contact Columbus area spousal support attorney Richard L. Morris, call 614-428-0052 or contact us online.
