Columbus Alimony Lawyer
Are you seeking alimony, in Columbus, Ohio? Our trustworthy Columbus alimony lawyers at Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, can help you. Our law office represents men and women in spousal support cases. Call our legal team today at (614) 485-8248 to schedule your free consultation.
Alimony, also known as spousal support in Ohio, is a type of financial assistance paid following a divorce. It requires one spouse to pay the other a certain amount of money on a short-term or long-term basis, depending on the facts involved. The purpose of alimony in Ohio is to assist the lower-earning spouse in preserving a similar standard of living to what they experienced during the marriage. Due to the financial consequences involved, alimony is one of the most highly contested issues in Ohio divorce cases.
Whether you are in the early stages of a divorce, have not filed, or have already been required to pay alimony, contact us today to get started.
How the Atkins and Atkins, Attorneys at Law, LLC, Can Help You in a Columbus Alimony Case
Legal challenges during a divorce case can be confusing and even scary. Not knowing what comes next in a divorce case is difficult for anybody to handle. Our experienced Columbus divorce and alimony lawyers have guided many clients through the alimony process during a stressful divorce case. We will be happy to answer any questions you have and work hard to address spousal support and alimony concerns involved in your case.
Our experienced Columbus alimony lawyers will do any of the following that is necessary, including:
- Meet with you for a consultation to discuss your case and address your concerns;
- Review your financial documents, work history, and other relevant documents that would be factored into a court ruling on spousal support;
- Discuss the case with your spouse’s attorney to discuss options for alimony and other issues in your case;
- File pleadings on your behalf and respond to pleadings filed by the other side regarding alimony;
- Argue your case in court and push for a fair decision on the issue of alimony.
Our Columbus family law attorneys will take the time to review all details involved in your case, so nothing is missed and the spousal support calculation is accurate.
What is Alimony?
Alimony, also known as spousal support in Ohio, is a court-ordered series of payments from one spouse to another after a divorce. Both spouses can agree to a spousal support payment, or the court can order a payment plan when neither side can reach an agreement.
Alimony, or spousal support, is not ordered in every case. If both parties are on relatively equal footing with each other at the end of a marriage, and each can financially take care of themselves after divorce, spousal support could be ruled out. However, if one spouse was the main breadwinner during the marriage and has more education and career experience than the other, it is fair to ask that spouse to provide alimony to the other.
How Long Does Alimony Last in Ohio?
Spousal support can continue indefinitely, or it can be scheduled for a set period of time. In Ohio, there are generally three ways that alimony ends:
- Set date: The court order for spousal support could state that payments end on a certain date, or when a certain event occurs. (For example, upon retirement of the paying spouse.)
- Change of circumstance: A change of circumstances could allow the paying spouse to request termination or modification of spousal support. If you are responsible for paying alimony but face an ongoing hardship, such as a reduction in income or a medical condition, you could ask the court to reconsider the spousal support order. However, the change of circumstances must be substantial and unforeseeable at the time of the initial spousal order. Further, your court order must generally authorize future modifications of alimony.
- Death of a spouse: Upon death of either spouse, alimony will automatically end in most cases under Ohio law. Exceptions can exist, such as requirements that you carry a life insurance policy covering your former spouse.
If you are concerned about the timeframe for your alimony payments or believe you are entitled to modification of alimony, it is best to consult an experienced Ohio spousal support attorney.
How is Alimony Calculated in Ohio?
In Ohio, spousal support calculations are based on several factors. However, alimony is not based on the misconduct of either spouse during the marriage. Spousal support is not punitive in nature and does not aim to punish one spouse or the other. Rather, courts in Ohio will review spousal support based on the following factors:
- The length of the parties’ marriage
- The standard of living each party enjoyed during the marriage (a higher standard of living tends to lead to a higher potential alimony payment)
- The age and physical condition of each spouse
- The incomes of both parties
- The relative earning capacities of both parties
- The education level of each spouse
- If one spouse is unemployed, the time and cost needed for the lower earner to obtain the training necessary to rejoin the workforce.
- Each party’s contribution toward the education, training, or career advancement of the other spouse
- The assets and debts of each party
- Any tax consequences to either party due to the alimony award
- Any other factors the court might find relevant in calculating support.
As you can see, calculating a fair spousal support order in Ohio requires an exhaustive review of many factors. Whether you are seeking alimony or are ordered to pay, you want the court to accurately consider all relevant factors before the order is finalized. An experienced Columbus alimony lawyer can review all relevant facts and documents to ensure the final alimony award is fair to you.
Does Ohio Have an Alimony Calculator?
Unlike child support, alimony in Ohio is not calculated using a strict formula. Instead, the spousal support order is created using all of the factors described above. Each case is unique when it comes to alimony, and more factors are involved than just the incomes of each spouse. Given the factors involved and the leeway that Ohio judges have when entering alimony orders, it is difficult to tell exactly what the alimony payments would be. A Columbus alimony lawyer with experience in the area can review your information and analyze what the alimony award might be.
Can You Get Alimony During Your Divorce in Ohio?
Temporary alimony can be awarded while a case is proceeding. After a party files for divorce or legal separation, but before a final judgment is entered, one spouse could be in need of financial support. In these situations, a judge can order “reasonable” spousal support to maintain the status quo while the case is in court.
As an alternative to temporary spousal support, a judge could order one spouse to pay certain bills such as mortgage, rent, or utility bills. If you believe you are entitled to temporary alimony or were ordered to pay temporary alimony, an attorney can answer any questions you might have about the process.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Columbus Alimony Lawyer?
Hiring a family law attorney to represent you in a divorce case involving alimony is an important decision for you to make. How much it will cost can depend on the issues involved in your case and the complexity of any disputed issues. An experienced Columbus alimony lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case during your consultation and give you a fair estimate of the costs involved.
Some factors that affect attorney’s fees in an alimony case can include:
- The length of your marriage
- The willingness of both spouses to negotiate alimony payments
- Your education level and work experience (as well as your spouse’s)
- Any other factors that can either simplify or complicate a spousal support calculation.
Contact our Columbus family law attorneys; an experienced spousal support lawyer on our team can estimate attorney’s fees in your case. It is important to remember that payment of attorney’s fees in an alimony case can help you financially for years to come. The long-term cost of going it alone when alimony is involved can be significant.
Do I Need An Attorney to Represent Me In an Alimony Case?
You are not required to have an attorney in a divorce case involving alimony. However, the consequences of proceeding on your own without legal help can be serious. An order for spousal support can be indefinite and require you to pay alimony until retirement or even beyond. If you are to be the recipient of alimony, you want the order to provide you with financial security and the ability to maintain your standard of living. Without skilled legal advice during the process, information that would help you in the long term can be missed.
A Columbus Alimony Lawyer Can Answer Your Questions Today
Our experienced Columbus alimony lawyers know the ins and outs of alimony in Ohio and can help make sure an order for spousal support is fair to you. As with most other issues in a divorce case, alimony can be complex and confusing. Contact the legal team at Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, to schedule a free consultation and have your questions answered.
Columbus Alimony / Spousal Support Lawyer
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5FRy4Rvh5q4vegMU8
Read more of our client reviews here.
Our Divorce law firm in Columbus also provides:
Columbus Alimony Lawyers
Child Custody Attorneys in Columbus, OH
Child Support Attorneys in Columbus, OH
Columbus Dissolution Lawyers
Columbus Divorce Lawyers
Father’s Rights Lawyer in Columbus, OH
Columbus Grandparent’s Rights Lawyers
High-Asset Divorce Lawyers in Columbus, OH
Military Divorce Attorneys in Columbus, OH
Prenuptial Agreement Lawyers in Columbus
Property Division Attorney in Columbus
Same-Sex Divorce Attorney in Columbus
Step-Parent Adoption Attorney in Columbus
Uncontested Divorce Attorney in Columbus
COURTHOUSE AND FAMILY COUNSELORS IN COLUMBUS, OH
- Clerk of Courts – Domestic Relations Division – 373 S High St floor 4, Columbus, OH 43215
- Franklin County Court – 373 S High St # 13, Columbus, OH 43215
- Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk – 375 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Domestic Relations Court Dir – 373 S High St # 6, Columbus, OH 43215
SHELTERS AND WOMAN CENTERS IN COLUMBUS, OH
- The Center for Family Safety and Healing – 655 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205
- The Open Shelter – 1037 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
- Star House – 1220 Corrugated Way, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
- Women’s Respite Center – 842 Sullivant Ave, Columbus, OH 43223
- Huckleberry House, Inc – 1421 Hamlet St, Columbus, OH 43201
PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT: FIND HELP AND GUIDANCE
- LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Columbus – 2 Easton Oval Suite 115, Columbus, OH 43219
- Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Columbus – 1890 Northwest Blvd #140, Columbus, OH 43212
- The Center for Family Safety and Healing – 655 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205
