Spousal support or alimony is not automatically granted in every Ohio divorce. Courts consider multiple factors when deciding if one spouse should receive support and for how long. The length of the marriage is among those factors. The law doesn’t set a clear cutoff for what qualifies as a short or long marriage, but generally, the longer you were married, the more likely it is that spousal support will be awarded.
A short marriage often results in little to no support unless there are unique circumstances, such as a significant income gap. For medium-length marriages, spousal support is more common but may only last long enough for the lower-earning spouse to become financially stable.
Marriages lasting several decades or more have the strongest case for long-term or even indefinite spousal support, especially if one spouse was financially dependent on the other.
Other factors courts consider
The length of your marriage is just one piece of the puzzle. Ohio courts also look at this and other factors when ordering the amount and duration of spousal support:
- Each spouse’s income and earning ability
- Age and health of both spouses
- The standard of living during the marriage
- Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage (both financial and non-financial)
- The time needed for the lower-earning spouse to gain education or job training
- Any other factors the courts consider relevant
It’s worth noting that spousal support may not necessarily last for the duration the court ordered. For instance, it may end if the receiving spouse remarries or becomes self-sufficient. Additionally, Ohio courts can modify or terminate payments if circumstances change significantly.
Every case is different, and understanding how the law works can help you prepare for what lies ahead. It underscores the need for qualified legal guidance early in the divorce process to protect your interests and secure a fair outcome that reflects your financial needs.