How long does a spousal support order last?

On Behalf of | May 11, 2022 | Uncategorized |

The property division process can be the single most difficult part of the divorce process for all kinds of people, but it can be especially difficult if you have substantial assets.

Whether through your own divorce settlement or through order of the court, you may have to arrange for spousal support. Courts do not award spousal support in every divorce, but may require it in divorces where the couple had been married for a significant amount of time and there is a large discrepancy between both spouses’ income. There is no one formula for calculating the amount of spousal support and so the specifics are  determined on a case-by-case basis.

Duration

Most spousal support orders do not last forever. In most cases, spousal support ends after a few months or years, based on the length of the marriage. However, the court may order support to continue indefinitely if the marriage lasted more than 25 to 30 years.

There are also certain events that can trigger the end of spousal support including:

  • Remarriage of the spouse receiving the support.
  • Death of the person receiving the support.
  • Death of the person paying the support.
  • In certain circumstances, cohabitation with another person.

A legal professional who is skilled in high-asset divorce can help their client understand how spousal support works in Ohio and how it will affect their situation. There are events in which spousal support may be modified as well including:

  • Physical disability
  • Involuntary loss of income

The original order must contain language as to how the order may be modified as the courts do not have authority to review the order after it has been entered.