To qualify for alimony support, the receiving spouse must prove financial hardship and make a case for monetary assistance, whether temporary or long-term.
Between 10 and 15 years: general term alimony can last for no longer than 70% of the number of months of the marriage. Between 15 and 20 years: general term alimony can last for no longer than 80% of the number of months of the marriage. Longer than 20 years: general term alimony can last indefinitely.
Child support is never deductible and isn't considered income. Additionally, if a divorce or separation instrument provides for alimony and child support, and the payer spouse pays less than the total required, the payments apply to child support first. Only the remaining amount is considered alimony.
Estimate Alimony Payments. Common methods for calculating spousal support typically take up to 40% of the paying spouse's net income, which is calculated after child support. 50% of the recipient spouse's net income is then subtracted from the total if they are working.
Misconduct: Certain behaviors can also lead to the disqualification of alimony. For instance, if a spouse is found to have engaged in financial misconduct, such as hiding assets or failing to disclose financial information during the divorce proceedings, this can result in disqualification.
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.