Alimony and Spousal Support in Ohio
How Ohio decides spousal support (alimony), the factors courts weigh, and how marital property is divided.
Short answer: Ohio calls alimony spousal support. A court may award it in a lump sum or installments after considering factors including each party's income and earning ability, ages and health, retirement benefits, length of the marriage, standard of living, education, assets and debts, contributions… Ohio Rev. Code 3105.18
| Alimony (spousal support) | Ohio calls alimony spousal support. A court may award it in a lump sum or installments after considering factors including each party's income and earning ability, ages and health, retirement benefits, length of the marriage, standard of living, education, assets and debts, contributions to the other's education or earning ability, the time and cost for the receiving spouse to get training or job experience, tax consequences, and income capacity lost because of marital responsibilities. The statute does not set a formula for amount or duration. Source: Ohio Rev. Code 3105.18 |
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| Dividing property | Ohio uses equitable distribution. Marital property is divided equally unless an equal division would be inequitable, in which case the court divides it in the way it finds equitable after considering factors such as the length of the marriage, assets and debts, the family home, tax consequences and retirement benefits. Separate property includes inheritances, property owned before the marriage, passive income and appreciation on separate property, property excluded by a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, personal injury compensation (with exceptions), and gifts proven by clear and convincing evidence to have been given to only one spouse. Source: Ohio Rev. Code 3105.171 |
Where to get help in Ohio
More Ohio divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Ohio
- Adopting a Child in Ohio
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Ohio
- Establishing Paternity in Ohio
- Changing Your Name in Ohio
- Child Custody Laws in Ohio
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Ohio
- Divorce Records in Ohio
- How to File for Divorce in Ohio
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Ohio
- All Ohio divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How is alimony decided in Ohio?
Ohio calls alimony spousal support. A court may award it in a lump sum or installments after considering factors including each party's income and earning ability, ages and health, retirement benefits, length of the marriage, standard of living, education, assets and debts, contributions to the other's education or earning ability, the time and cost for the receiving spouse to get training or job experience, tax consequences, and income capacity lost because of marital responsibilities. The statute does not set a formula for amount or duration.
Is Ohio a community property state?
Ohio uses equitable distribution. Marital property is divided equally unless an equal division would be inequitable, in which case the court divides it in the way it finds equitable after considering factors such as the length of the marriage, assets and debts, the family home, tax consequences and retirement benefits. Separate property includes inheritances, property owned before the marriage, passive income and appreciation on separate property, property excluded by a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, personal injury compensation (with exceptions), and gifts proven by clear and convincing evidence to have been given to only one spouse.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.