Couples will often fight over spousal support in a divorce. One spouse argues it should be paid, while the other spouse argues they should pay nothing. But spousal support is often necessary to keep both spouses on even financial footing after their divorce.
Calculating spousal support in Ohio can be tricky, as there is no mathematical formula for doing so. Instead, spousal support awards are based on the examination of a variety of statutory factors.
Is there a mathematical formula for spousal support?
Some judges use various informal guidelines to determine how long spousal support should last or how much should be paid. But no formula is used to calculate spousal support in Ohio. This is different from child support, which is based on a statutory formula.
Spousal support factors
Spousal support is determined on a case-by-case basis. Judges will examine 14 statutory factors instead of relying on a mathematical formula. Some of these factors include:
- How long the marriage lasted
- Each spouse’s income
- Each spouse’s monthly expenses
- Each spouse’s education and earning capacity
- Each spouse’s physical and mental health
- The standard of living the spouses were accustomed to while married
Sometimes, a court will determine that spousal support does not have to be paid at all. Other times, a court may say spousal support only needs to be paid for a certain number of years.
Spousal support is just one issue that must be addressed in the divorce process. Whether this means awarding a large or small amount of spousal support, or no spousal support at all, depends on the circumstances of each individual case.