When Ohio couples are facing the end of a marriage, the issue of spousal support is often a consideration. Despite the fact that the couple may feel it’s necessary to separate their lives, in some cases one spouse may have a need for short or long-term financial support from the other.
The factors that determine whether a spouse is entitled to alimony or is required to pay it vary. Judges may consider things like the length of the marriage, the health of each spouse, and whether each spouse is capable of supporting themselves. In some marriages, one partner serves as the breadwinner while the other takes care of the home and children. Those who don’t have an employment history or marketable job skills may need financial support until they can complete job training and find suitable employment.
In some cases, a judge may take into consideration issues such as spousal abuse. A judge may refuse to provide alimony for an abusive spouse, even if that person is unemployed or has less earning capacity. Another consideration is whether one should accept spousal support. Some people feel uncomfortable accepting alimony after a divorce, as they would like to completely sever the connection between themselves and their former spouses. The trouble with this is that by giving up alimony, these individuals may find themselves in financial straits if they are unable to earn enough money to support themselves soon after the marriage ends.
A person who is contemplating a divorce and who is concerned about having to pay alimony may want to have the advice of a family law attorney. Legal counsel can review the circumstances of the divorce as well as the ability of both parties to earn a living and then see if it would be possible to negotiate an agreement specifying an amount and duration that can then be submitted to the court for its approval.