When discussing whether or not a Court will award spousal support, formerly known as alimony, to one of the parties in a divorce proceeding, we must first define what spousal support is. Section 3105.18 of the Ohio Revised Code defines “spousal support” as being “any payment or payments to be made to a spouse or former spouse, or to a third party for the benefit of a spouse or former spouse, that is both for sustenance (maintenance or means of livelihood) and for support of the spouse or former spouse.”
Webster’s New World Dictionary does not define “spousal support” but defines “alimony” as “money a court orders paid to a person by that person’s legally separated or divorced spouse”. While the Ohio Revised Code utilizes the term “spousal support” in Chapter 31 relative to Divorce, Annulment, and Dissolution of Marriage, the Internal Revenue Code governing the payment of federal income taxes continues to use the term “alimony” in lieu of the term “spousal support”.
Further, Ohio Revised Code Section 3105.18(C)(1) reflects the following language: In determining whether spousal support is appropriate and reasonable, and in determining the nature, amount, and terms of payment, and duration of spousal support, which is … Read More... “Factors The Court Considers In Determining Whether To Award Spousal Support Pt. 1”