Columbus Alimony Attorney

Some of the factors courts will consider when determining the duration, manner, amount and type of payments include:

• Each spouse’s incomes, including any income generated by property
• The earning ability of each spouse
• How old each spouse is, and how healthy they are (emotionally, mentally and physically)
• Any retirement benefits each spouse will receive/receives
• How long the marriage lasted
• If either spouse will receive primary custody of any children, and whether or not that will affect their ability to work
• The standard of living each spouse enjoyed during the marriage
• The level of education each spouse earned
• Any debts or assets each spouse owns
• Whether or not either spouse helped the other earn an increased income, receive a professional degree, education or training during the marriage
• How much it will cost and how long it will take either spouse to earn the job experience, training or education necessary to obtain sufficient employment following the divorce
• Whether either spouse has a decreased earning ability because they acted as the homemaker during the marriage
• How each spouse’s taxes will be affected by alimony
• Any other factors the courts deem fair and relevant to consider

The duration of spousal support (how long it will last) is extremely case-specific and can be one of the more complex issues to be addressed in your case. In cases where the marriage is of short duration, spousal support might only last as long as the case remains pending.

The longer the marriage, the longer spousal support may last. In addition to determining the duration of spousal support, there are a number of possible circumstances that may cause spousal support to terminate earlier. It is important to examine and discuss the issue of spousal support in detail with an experienced divorce lawyer.