Determining which spouse is entitled to alimony can be a confusing and complex process. Many people have the misconception that the wife is always guaranteed alimony when a marriage comes to an end. However, neither spouse is guaranteed spousal support, regardless of how long the marriage lasted. When it comes to divorce, spousal support can be awarded to both husbands and wives.
Alimony is supposed to help the spouse with less income maintain the lifestyle they were used to during the marriage. Courts consider a number of different factors when deciding which spouse will be awarded alimony, including:
- How long the couple was married
- The particular needs of the spouse seeking alimony
- Whether the supporting spouse has the necessary income to pay alimony
- The age, health, education, and work experience of both spouses
Although a spouse might be awarded alimony as part of a divorce agreement, they are usually expected to eventually become self-sufficient. However, there are cases when a spouse can be awarded permanent alimony. This tends to occur when a spouse has been a homemaker for the entirety of a long marriage and is not reasonably expected to become self-sufficient.
Alimony orders can be terminated if:
- The spouse receiving support gets remarried
- One of the spouses dies
- The spouse receiving support shares a home with an intimate partner
Alimony can also be modified if the income of either spouse changes.
Dayton Family Law Attorney
Do you need help resolving a family law matter? Our lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and answer any questions you have. At L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC, we are committed to serving clients throughout Ohio, and we have the experience and resources you need to secure a fair case result. Let us put our skills to work for you today.
Call (937) 685-7006 to schedule your appointment with a Dayton divorce lawyer. We are here to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.