The end of a relationship through divorce, legal separation, dissolution, or annulment in Medina, Brunswick or Wadsworth is an emotional roller coaster for which few Ohio couples are prepared. Couples going their separate ways face many unexpected hurdles, but one of the most jarring is the realization that the lifestyle they established while living together usually was supported by two incomes. Maintaining the same lifestyle might not be possible on just one income.
When the income of one of the spouses is far greater than the earnings of the other, being able to pay essential living expenses might be a challenge. This is particularly true when there is a disparity exists in the education or job skills of the parties. Fortunately, judges in Medina, Brunswick, or Wadsworth have authority under Ohio law to award spousal support to one of the parties in a divorce or separation proceeding.
Spousal support was formerly known as alimony in Ohio. It is any payment or series of payments made by one spouse to another that is intended for the sustenance and support of the receiving party. Spousal support does not have to be in the form of a cash payment or payments. It can be in the form of an award of real or personal property, but a distribution of marital assets or a distributive award under the equitable distribution laws in Medina, Brunswick or Wadsworth does not constitute spousal support.
Judges do not have formulas to determine the appropriate amount of spousal support to award in the same manner as they do with child support in Medina, Brunswick or Wadsworth. Factors that judges will take into consideration when deciding upon the amount, form and duration of spousal support to be awarded include:
Modifying a spousal support order requires a showing in Medina, Brunswick or Wadsworth of a change of circumstances. This is more than just an increase in a paying spouse’s income or an increase in the expenses of the receiving spouse. The change of circumstances must be substantial, and it must not have been one that was raised when the support was originally ordered.
The financial health and well-being of a party to a divorce or separation might depend upon an order for spousal support. If you have questions or concerns about spousal support in Medina, Brunswick or Wadsworth, contact Thomas Erb Jr. today at {P:P3:SUB:PHONE}.
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