Experienced Spousal Support Attorneys in Oregon

If you financially relied on your spouse during your marriage, spousal support can be crucial to ensure you are able to get back on your feet after divorce. However, these payments aren’t automatic. Spousal support must be specifically requested — and often vigorously negotiated — during divorce proceedings. At Litowich Law, we know how contentious spousal support matters can be. Our knowledgeable spousal support attorney team will advise you regarding your rights and protect your interests. Whether you are the economically dependent spouse or the higher-earning spouse, we can assist you with negotiating an agreement that is fair for both parties.

Types of Spousal Support

Spousal support, also referred to as alimony, is a payment made by the higher-earning spouse to the financially dependent spouse following a divorce. It helps ensure the economically disadvantaged spouse is able to maintain a similar standard of living to the one they had during the marriage. There are several types of spousal support in Oregon, including the following:
  • Transitional — Transitional spousal support is short-term support that is meant to help a spouse obtain the skills they need to become self-sufficient and re-enter the workforce after divorce.
  • Compensatory — Compensatory support may be awarded when one spouse has made contributions to the other’s education or earning capacity.
  • Maintenance — Maintenance support is awarded in cases where there is a significant disparity in earning capacity between the spouses.
Additionally, the dependent spouse may be entitled to pendente lite support while the divorce case is pending. This is meant to ensure their financial needs are met until the final judgment is issued. Determining the type and amount of spousal support available in your case can be complex. Our spousal support attorneys will explain the different types of support that may be available in your case. Whether you are the spouse who is entitled to support or required to pay it, we will work tirelessly to represent your interests.

How is Spousal Support Determined?

There is no official formula to calculate spousal support in Oregon. If the matter is litigated in court, a judge would apply a number of factors to determine whether spousal support is appropriate in your case — and how much should be awarded. However, spousal support matters do not need to be litigated in the courtroom. You and your spouse are free to reach a settlement agreement through negotiations or by using mediation. If a court is deciding the issue of spousal support, a judge would evaluate the following factors:
  • The length of the marriage
  • The financial needs and resources of both spouses
  • The age of both spouses
  • Each spouse’s work experience and employment skills
  • The physical, mental, and emotional health of each spouse
  • The standard of living during the marriage
  • The child custody arrangement
  • Child support obligations
  • Each spouse’s potential income
  • Any other relevant factors
At Litowich Law, our spousal support attorney team are skilled negotiators — and adept litigators. We are committed to helping you navigate the legal process and will advocate on your behalf every step of the way. Providing personalized time and attention in every case, our team will help ensure you understand your options and achieve your financial objectives.

Modifying and Enforcing Spousal Support

Oregon law recognizes that financial situations can change over time following a divorce. A spousal support order can be modified if either spouse has had a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued. For instance, if the paying spouse involuntarily lost their job or has a medical issue, a spousal support award may be reduced. If the receiving spouse remarries or increases their income, spousal support may be terminated. If the paying spouse refuses to make court-ordered payments, the recipient can seek enforcement. There are various tools that can be used to enforce a spousal support order in Oregon. For example, the receiving spouse can request that spousal support be withheld from the paying spouse’s wages. In addition, the court may even hold a spouse in contempt for failure to adhere to the court order, which can carry significant consequences. There is a lot at stake when it comes to spousal support — a spousal support attorney can assist you with pursuing a modification or enforcing an order. We can also negotiate a settlement if circumstances have changed and fight on your behalf in the courtroom if necessary.

Contact a Knowledgeable Oregon Spousal Support Attorney

If you need help with a spousal support matter, it’s vital to have a trusted attorney by your side. Based in Salem and serving clients throughout Oregon, Litowich Law is committed to helping you obtain a positive outcome in your case. We welcome you to contact us for a consultation.