Working on 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 of time. This may be due to problems getting into the work force, 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 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. The Cincinnati family law attorneys at the law firm of Brinkman & Associates 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 in order 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 of 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 for a Consultation With an Ohio Marital Income Lawyer
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 know how to navigate through this system. Contact our alimony attorneys in Cincinnati online or call 513-878-1437 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your situation.
