Spousal Support in Oregon
State-specific overview · Family Law
Oregon courts award spousal support based on need and ability to pay, with duration tied to marriage length and specific statutory factors.
How Oregon treats Spousal Support
Oregon law (ORS 107.105) allows courts to award spousal support when one spouse lacks sufficient income or property to meet reasonable needs. The duration generally depends on marriage length: shorter marriages typically receive shorter support periods, while longer marriages may receive longer or indefinite awards. Courts must consider factors including each spouse's income, earning capacity, age, health, and contributions to the marriage. Support terminates if the receiving spouse remarries or enters into a new domestic partnership.
The general definition of Spousal Support
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another, typically during or after divorce proceedings.
Spousal support, also called maintenance or alimony, is money one spouse pays to the other to help with living expenses during or after a divorce. It recognizes that one spouse may have sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage or may have lower earning potential. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning ability, and their age and health when determining if support is appropriate and how much to award. Spousal support can be temporary (lasting only during the divorce process) or permanent (continuing indefinitely or for a set period).
Read the full Spousal Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Oregon.