Ohio isn't a community property state. Instead, Ohio follows what's known as the "equitable distribution" model for dividing assets and debts during a divorce. However, unlike many other states that use this model, Ohio requires judges to divide a couple's marital property equally, unless that would be unfair.
Countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, Mexico, and the U.K. regularly work with U.S. courts to enforce alimony orders across international borders. However, enforcing an international alimony order may take more time than enforcing a domestic one.
In Ohio, courts award alimony, or spousal support payments, to one spouse at the end of the divorce process. Either spouse may request alimony. Alimony is not automatic or guaranteed to either spouse.
There is no specific formula in Ohio for calculating temporary support awards. The court must use its discretion, taking into account each spouse's earning capacity and other resources while the divorce is pending. The court should strive to maintain the financial status quo despite title or ownership.
Usually, the court will not consider awarding spousal support unless the marriage lasted more than five years. Most courts do not award lifetime spousal support unless the marriage lasted more than 25 years. In cases involving longer marriages, there is a greater chance of income disparity between the spouses.