Claremore Lawyers Help Clients Pursue Fair Alimony Terms

Oklahoma firm provides strong counsel in spousal support matters

The end of a marriage is also the end of the interdependent financial relationship between the spouses. Over time, one party might have earned most or all of the outside income, while the other stayed home to take care of the house and children. In these cases, alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, might be awarded so that the lesser-earning spouse can avoid financial hardship following the divorce. At Price Law, P.C. in Claremore, our Oklahoma family law attorneys pursue appropriate alimony terms for divorcing clients throughout the area. 

Temporary and permanent alimony

Alimony can be awarded on a temporary basis to be paid while the divorce is pending. Once the divorce order is entered, it might or might not require one spouse to provide money or property to their ex. Unlike some states, which define different methods of awarding alimony, Oklahoma only mandates that judges make a determination based on what they believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. When a court orders monetary spousal support, it might be paid in a lump sum or installments, depending on the particular circumstances.

How do courts make alimony decisions in Oklahoma?

State law does not set forth specific information that judges must consider when ruling on a request for alimony, but several factors usually shape this decision, such as:

• The duration of the marriage
• The age and health of the parties
• The requesting spouse’s ability to support themselves financially
• The potential paying spouse’s ability to provide spousal support
• The amount of time it might take for the requesting spouse to gain the training or experience needed to earn a satisfactory income
• Contributions that a party made to their spouse’s earning ability by taking care of the household or supporting them while they were in school

With so many potential factors shaping an alimony decision, it is essential to speak with a qualified family law attorney who can go over the specific circumstances in your case and assess how a court might rule. From there, we can attempt to negotiate a fair resolution whether you are seeking spousal support or are being asked to provide it.

How long do spousal support payments last?

When alimony is granted, the amount should reflect the time it would take for a recipient to meet their own financial needs. A wife or husband who has spent many years without working outside the home or who must take care of a child with special needs could require long-term support to maintain their lifestyle. Couples in these situations might agree to alimony payments that last for several years. If the case goes to court, the judge may deliver an order that provides spousal support in an amount that necessitates a long period of installment payments. Should the recipient remarry or a substantial, ongoing financial shift occur that affects the fairness of existing alimony terms, a party can petition the court to modify or cut off payments.

Contact an Oklahoma divorce attorney for a free consultation about your alimony issue

Price Law, P.C. in Claremore assists spouses with alimony matters and other aspects of the Oklahoma divorce process. You can schedule a free consultation with an experienced family law attorney by calling 866-206-1218 or contacting us online.