Columbus Alimony/Spousal Support Attorneys
What about Alimony or Spousal Support? Are you entitled to receive spousal support? Will you have to pay spousal support? How much support do you need? We have helped hundreds of people in Columbus, Franklin County and all around central Ohio face these questions. You should know that alimony, or “spousal support”, can be awarded to either spouse in the divorce process. There are several factors the Court has to consider when determining whether spousal support is appropriate. Those factors include:
- The age of the spouses
- Their mental and physical health
- Their education, earning ability, income and employment possibilities
- Retirement benefits
- Length of the marriage
- Their assets and debts
- The contribution of one spouse to the education, training or earning ability of the other
- Court-ordered payments
- Lost income production capacity resulting from marital responsibilities
There are presently no guidelines to calculate spousal support like there are for child support. Spousal support may be a definite amount for a definite period of time, or structured in some other manner. It may terminate or be modified if there are certain occurrences in the future. If it is to be modifiable, specific language in the court order is required.
Because of the amount of discretion given to the court in determining these spousal support issues, spousal support is one of the most difficult and complex issues in the termination of a marriage.
We will give you a straight answer, even if you may not like what we have to say. Because you have the right to know so that you can make informed decisions about your case. Divorce can be a complex process, and we are here to help you through it. Call us today, so that we can start listening.