This topic defines spousal and child support and the factors a court considers in determining those amounts. Marriages in Oregon are no longer ended by divorce, but are terminated by dissolution. The marriage status is dissolved between the parties without fault being attached to either one. In connection with legal proceedings for the dissolution of a marriage, two kinds of support payment can be ordered by the court. These are spousal support, once called alimony, and child support.
Spousal support is money that a court orders a man or woman to pay to a former spouse.
Child support is money one parent is required to pay to the parent who has custody for the care, support, education and upbringing of the minor children of the marriage. The amount of child support and spousal support varies from case to case. If the parties cannot agree, a judge has to decide whether support is appropriate and if so, how much support should be paid. There are many factors a judge considers in making the spousal support award. With reference to spousal support, the court considers such factors as the length of the marriage, the ages of the parties, their health and conditions, and their work experience, earning capacities and impaired future earning capacity.