Creating Financial Plans For Dependent Spouses

Spousal support, also known as alimony, can be a common part of any divorce matter. One spouse may need financial help, at least for a set period. This may be due to problems getting into the workforce if one spouse has stayed at home for a part of the marriage or one spouse may have significant medical bills. Whatever the reason is for seeking support payments, our spousal support lawyers at Brinkman & Associates in Cincinnati will work closely with you so you understand exactly what to expect through this process.

How Is Support Determined?

According to Ohio law, spousal support may be awarded whenever it is appropriate and reasonable. Because these guidelines are so vague, disputes concerning alimony often end up in court. Our family law attorneys have extensive experience handling support issues. We understand the factors the court may use to determine the amount and length of support payments, which may include:

• The length of the marriage
• The standard of living during the marriage
• The age of the parties
• The education level of the parties
• The couple’s work and child care history
• The contribution of one spouse to the other’s education or career, including sacrifices made for the benefit of the marriage

One of the common misconceptions surrounding spousal support is that you must have been married for a certain number of years to be eligible. This is simply not the case. The only point where marriage length is a factor is in the award of the other spouse’s Social Security benefits, which requires a marriage length of at least 10 years. We will explore all your options and work toward a reasonable amount of support. When your circumstances change, we can also help you seek modifications of support as well.

Call To Arrange A Consultation

Spousal support is a complex area of the law that is constantly evolving. That is why it is so important to have experienced legal counsel in your corner who knows how to navigate through this system. Contact us by email or call 513-632-5310 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your situation.