Courts may award spousal support to either spouse upon the request of either party in an action for divorce or legal separation. Learn how Ohio judges decide whether to award spousal support, how much payments will be, how long they'll last, and when alimony can change or end.A Columbus spousal support attorney from Grossman Law Offices can help you establish a fair alimony agreement. Board Certified Family Law Specialists! Spousal support can be negotiated between spouses outside of court, either through mediation or collaborative divorce processes. The court considers 3 key questions when it decides if you or your spouse should get spousal support. How long were you married? Ohio courts will not award alimony unless the spouses are married for at least five years. In Ohio, there is no formula for calculating spousal support as there is with child support. Spouses always have the option of agreeing to spousal support payments.