How long does spousal support last in Oregon?

Spousal support or alimony in Oregon is awarded in certain divorces when the circumstances indicate that alimony is appropriate. Alimony or support may be paid by either spouse (i.e. the husband may pay the wife or vice versa) and may be awarded based on a court mandate or based on the two spouses agreeing to a support plan in a divorce settlement that the court approves. When alimony or spousal support is awarded, the length of time that such support is required can vary. 

There are, however, two different classifications for spousal support in Oregon, based on the expected duration of the alimony payments. Support orders are classified either as:

• Temporary alimony or
• Permanent alimony

Temporary alimony means the alimony is to be paid for a set period of time, usually (but not always) around a year or two. Temporary alimony is designed to provide some time for the recipient to become able to support him or herself. For example, if one spouse is temporarily unable to work because a child needs care at home, temporary alimony may be awarded until the child is old enough that the parent can enter the workforce. Likewise, if one spouse left the workforce to raise kids, temporary alimony may be awarded in order to give that spouse time to refresh his resume and find a new job. 

Permanent alimony, on the other hand, means that there is no set end to the alimony. Such payments will stop only if circumstances materially change, if one of the parties dies, or if the spouse who is getting the alimony marries someone else. Permanent alimony is designed to resolve a permanent income disparity that may exist because one spouse is disabled or has been unemployed for so long that finding a job would be difficult or impossible.

To get help determining what type of spousal support- if any- is likely to be awarded in your Oregon divorce, consultation with a lawyer is recommended.