In Ohio family law, the term used for alimony is now “spousal support.” Unlike child support, it is not easily reduced to a formula. Instead, Ohio law sets forth guidelines for establishing whether spousal support is appropriate and reasonable and, if so, the amount and duration of the award. The purpose of spousal support is for both spouses to continue with the same standard of living that they were both accustomed to during the marriage.

Why You need a Spousal Support Attorney in Columbus, Ohio

Judges and magistrates have broad discretion in reviewing the statutory factors and in determining how they should be weighed in any given case. Certain factors are usually weighed more heavily than others, such as the length of marriage and any significant disparity in incomes of the parties. Other considerations often applied may be the earning ability of a party, which may require a vocational evaluation, or cohabitation. It is also important for the court to consider the tax implications of spousal support awards. Finally, it is important that your attorney consider future modifications and any circumstances that will cause a future termination of spousal support.

Contrary to popular belief, spousal support is gender neutral. Either spouse can be ordered by the court to pay spousal support to the other, as it is based on income rather than gender. In some cases, a judge might award spousal support to an ex-wife. In other situations, a judge might award spousal support to an ex-husband.

When You Need a Central Ohio Spousal Support Lawyers

Spousal support might be temporary, if one spouse needs it just during the divorce process. The duration of spousal support varies according to the specific case. For example, it can continue for an indefinite period, end on a specific date, or end when a specific event occurs.

Spousal support generally doesn’t apply if a couple’s marriage did not last long, or if both the husband and wife had similar incomes. A court is more likely to award spousal support if a marriage lasted for many years, one spouse has health problems, there was a significant disparity between their incomes, a spouse had to stay home to care for the children while the other spouse worked full-time to support the family, or a spouse worked to help put the other spouse through graduate school, law school, etc.

In every spousal support case, the search for an attorney who has a solid education and extensive experience in the understanding and application of all of the factors related to spousal support is essential. At Edward F. Whipps & Associates, we have been working with clients on sophisticated spousal support cases for over 30 years. We carefully analyze the tax consequences of support and stay current on the most recent case decisions and legislative enactments that can affect spousal support decisions.

When spousal support is an important aspect of a divorce or dissolution that you may be involved in, you can turn to Columbus spousal support lawyer at Edward F. Whipps & Associates with assurance that you will have the advantage of our background and experience.

Contact an Experienced Columbus Spousal Support Lawyer Today

If you need a spousal support lawyer, please contact Edward F. Whipps & Associates for help. You can arrange a confidential initial consultation at a mutually convenient time by calling our office at (614) 461-6006 or filling out this online contact form.