Alimony, spousal support, spousal maintenance, or domestic partner support (collectively, spousal support) is generally financial support in the form of periodic payments (usually monthly) paid by one spouse or domestic partner to the other spouse or domestic partner upon divorce.

The person paying spousal support or the person receiving spousal support may seek to modify the court’s order for support—usually by increasing it or decreasing it—due to a material change in circumstances of the person paying support or the person receiving support.

Spousal support laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the family or domestic code.

In Ohio, spousal support, also known as alimony, is financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce or legal separation. The purpose of spousal support is to help the receiving spouse maintain a standard of living similar to that enjoyed during the marriage, especially if there is a significant disparity in income or earning potential between the spouses. Ohio law allows for either temporary or permanent spousal support, and the amount and duration are determined by the court based on a variety of factors, including the length of the marriage, the income and earning abilities of both parties, the age and health of the parties, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Either party can request a modification of the spousal support order if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in income, or a change in the needs of the receiving spouse. The modification process typically requires showing the court that the change in circumstances is substantial, continuous, and not anticipated at the time of the original order. Ohio's statutes regarding spousal support can be found in the Ohio Revised Code, specifically in the sections dealing with domestic relations and family law.