Also known as spousal support, Oklahoma alimony is financial support paid by one spouse to another after divorce.
While it can be made in one large lump sum, payment typically is paid in monthly installments. Your spouse and you can agree to alimony terms, or you can allow a judge to decide.
Because there is no set formula for alimony in Oklahoma, it is essential that you retain the services of a reputable Tulsa Divorce Lawyer that is experienced in Oklahoma alimony procedure.
With that said, the accomplished Tulsa divorce lawyers of Fry & Elder will try and answer some of the most commonly asked questions in regards to spousal support and alimony in Oklahoma.
How is Oklahoma Alimony Determined?
While there is a formula that is used to determine child support, no such formula exists when determining Oklahoma alimony. A judge will consider several fact-based factors when determining how much alimony to award. A non-exclusive list of some of the components a judge will take into consideration include:
- Demonstrated need during the post-matrimonial economic readjustment period
- The parties’ station in life
- The length of the marriage
- The health and age of each spouse
- The earning ability and education of each spouse
- The parties’ physical condition and financial means
- The mode of living to which each spouse has become accustomed during the marriage
- Evidence of a spouse’s own income-producing capacity and the time necessary to make the transition for self-support.
How long should I expect to pay alimony?
Under Oklahoma law, there is no firm rule on the duration of how long alimony payments need to be made. The trial judge has broad discretion in determining the amount of alimony and the terms of payment.
Are wives only eligible for alimony?
While alimony was historically awarded to the wife, this is not the case anymore. Either a husband or wife can receive alimony in Oklahoma, as gender is now irrelevant. The primary function of spousal support is to better assist the spouse with lesser earning capacity to better transition into single life and/or gain employment. For alimony to be awarded, one spouse must show a need for spousal support and the other spouse must have the ability to pay spousal support.
Can alimony be changed or modified after it had been rewarded?
Oklahoma allows for alimony to be modified or even terminated if either person has experienced a significant change in earning ability or in need. Alimony may also be changed or end when the recipient begins living with a significant other.
Experience the Fry & Elder Difference
As you can see by this discussion, an alimony determination may involve a large number of factors. Should you have any additional questions or concerns about alimony in Oklahoma, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation. The firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List each of the past six years and features a team of trial lawyers who are some of the most highly regarded and experienced family law attorneys not only in the state of Oklahoma, but in the United States.
They include:
- A 2019 Best Lawyers® Selection
- One of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Best Lawyers® 2016 Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma
- Two attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Two attorneys AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
- A 2017 Significant Sig Award Winner
Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a family law attorney experience in Oklahoma alimony procedure.