Spousal support, commonly known as alimony, is still very relevant in most Ohio divorces, from temporary supplements to permanent awards of monthly support. With many thousands of dollars at stake, it is critical to have savvy legal counsel on your side.
The experienced divorce lawyers of Kvale Antonelli & Raj can protect your interests in the determination, modification and enforcement of spousal support. We regularly litigate and negotiate this issue within the broader context of divorce and property settlements.
Initial Determination Of Spousal Support
The purpose of spousal support is to help one spouse meet living expenses and maintain a certain lifestyle during and after divorce. Temporary spousal support may be ordered while the divorce is pending. Rehabilitative spousal support may be provided for a fixed period after divorce to enable a spouse to become self-supporting. Long-term or permanent support (traditionally called alimony) may be awarded to a spouse who is unable to earn a living.
Ohio courts rely on statutory guidelines to determine whether spousal support is appropriate, as well as the amount and duration. The judge considers numerous factors, such as age and health, education and work history, income differential, career sacrifices, and child-rearing duties.
We often resolve spousal support through collaborative divorce, helping parties develop a fair and equitable amount of support. The alternative is to have a judge determine the award. From years of divorce litigation, we can gauge how a judge would typically come down on the issue as a benchmark for negotiations or contested proceedings.
Revisiting Spousal Support
When an alimony recipient remarries or becomes financially independent, the paying party can petition to terminate or reduce support. If an ex-spouse has fallen behind on alimony payments, we can go to court to enforce compliance and pursue the arrears — or modify support if the former spouse has fallen on hard times.
For answers to your specific situation, call the Cleveland alimony attorneys of Kvale Antonelli & Raj at 216-861-2222 or contact us online to arrange a consultation.
