614-241-2174It’s not uncommon for Ohio couples to be left on unequal financial footings when they divorce. Ohio family judges will often step in and enter court orders requiring a husband or wife to pay their ex some form of spousal support as a result of this. Alimony isn’t supposed to last forever, however.
Changes in circumstances may warrant a modification in alimony. An Ohio judge may increase, reduce or cease spousal support awards depending upon the former spouse’s newfound financial status.
Numerous situations may allow a spouse to petition the court for a modification in spousal support payments. If the dependent spouse becomes remarried or has begun cohabitating with another person, then a judge may terminate their spousal payments.
The dependent spouse may not have been previously working, and they may now have a job or have recently received a promotion or substantial pay increase. They may now even be making more than the supporting spouse. Such a change in circumstances would also necessitate a revision to a spousal support order.
A financial emergency such as a medical issue may have arisen. There may be a need to increase spousal payments due to a cost of living adjustment. The supporting or dependent spouse may have become disabled. Perhaps the supporting spouse has remarried and now has a new child. The court may reduce spousal support payments due to the supporting spouse’s change in financial obligations.
Conditions never remain the same in life. The same logic may apply to spousal support payments. If your circumstances have changed and you require a spousal support modification, then a contested divorce attorney can help. Your Columbus lawyer can advise you of the steps that you need to take to get an Ohio judge to allow for a modification in your case.