Oregon · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Oregon

How spousal support works in a Oregon divorce: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

In short

In Oregon, alimony is called spousal support. The court can order transitional support (to get education or job skills), compensatory support (for a significant contribution to the other spouse's education, training or career), and spousal maintenance (for a set or indefinite time), based on factors like length of marriage, age, health, income and earning capacity.

What Oregon calls it
spousal support
Property division
Equitable distribution
Law
ORS 107.105(1)(d).

When Oregon courts can order alimony

  • The court can order transitional support (to get education or job skills), compensatory support (for a significant contribution to the other spouse's education, training or career), and spousal maintenance (for a set or indefinite time), based on factors like length of marriage, age, health, income and earning capacity.
  • Support ends at either spouse's death unless the judgment says otherwise.

Amount, limits and length

No formula.

Law: ORS 107.105(1)(d).

Alimony and property in Oregon

Alimony is decided separately from how property and debts are divided.

System
Equitable distribution
The rule
The court divides property in a way that is 'just and proper.' It presumes both spouses contributed equally to property acquired during the marriage, counts homemaking as a contribution, and treats retirement plans as property. Gifts to one spouse kept separate aren't covered by the presumption.

How to ask for alimony in Oregon

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    Spousal support is decided in the divorce case: ask for it in your petition, or in your response if your spouse filed. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Oregon courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    $301 for the first appearance by the petitioner, and $301 for the respondent (ORS 21.155(1); OJD 2026 Circuit Court Fee Schedule, effective Jan. 1, 2026). Can't afford it? Apply for a fee deferral or waiver with the packet in the OJD Forms Center: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/fee-waiver.aspx.

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. Every county must offer mediation orientation in family law cases; in some counties parents must attend mediation orientation or mediation before a custody/parenting-time hearing.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Oregon

How does alimony work in Oregon?

Called spousal support. The court can order transitional support (to get education or job skills), compensatory support (for a significant contribution to the other spouse's education, training or career), and spousal maintenance (for a set or indefinite time), based on factors like length of marriage, age, health, income and earning capacity. No formula. Support ends at either spouse's death unless the judgment says otherwise.

How much alimony is paid in Oregon, and for how long?

No formula.

Is Oregon a community property state?

No. Oregon uses equitable distribution. The court divides property in a way that is 'just and proper.' It presumes both spouses contributed equally to property acquired during the marriage, counts homemaking as a contribution, and treats retirement plans as property. Gifts to one spouse kept separate aren't covered by the presumption.

More about divorce in Oregon

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.