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.
Unlike child support, which is calculated using a strict formula, Ohio doesn't have a formula for calculating spousal support or even determining who's entitled to receive it.
In Ohio, eligibility for spousal support is determined by various factors, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, age, physical and emotional health, and financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage.
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.
40% of the high earner's net monthly income minus 50% of the low earner's net monthly income. For instance, if Spouse A earns $5,000 per month and Spouse B earns $2,500 per month, temporary spousal support might be calculated as follows: 40% of $5,000 = $2,000. 50% of $2,500 = $1,250.
While there are no set guidelines for determining spousal support payments in Ohio, the law requires the courts to assume that both spouses contributed equally to the marriage, whether that contribution was financial or caring for their children and the home itself.
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.