Although two-income families have become the norm, one spouse frequently earns far more than the other does. Many married couples have an arrangement where one spouse focuses on their career while the other does everything in their power to support the family. They handle everything from cleaning and meal preparation to childcare to keep household costs low.
The spouse who stays home or makes family obligations more of a priority than their career loses out on income and may have a lifetime reduction in their overall earning potential. The Ohio family courts can help a dependent spouse become financially secure by ordering the other spouse to pay them spousal support.
Every order is unique
Judges have to think carefully about a family’s circumstances when putting together an order of spousal support. Unlike some other states, Ohio does not have a formula that automatically determines the duration of special support. Instead, there are marital factors a judge must consider when determining if support is appropriate.
Typically, spousal support will last for a set number of months established in the support order. However, sometimes support will end earlier than what the order indicates. If either spouse dies, spousal support will typically end at that time. Additionally, if the recipient remarries or begins cohabitating with a new romantic partner, that can also trigger the end of spousal support. Occasionally, if the spouse paying support retires or experiences financial hardship, they can ask the courts to reduce the amount or duration of the support order.
Understanding the rules that govern spousal support in Ohio may help people better handle necessary negotiations during a divorce.