What Kinds of Alimony Can I Find in Oklahoma?

Deciding to seek a divorce is considered by many to be a serious decision because of all the legal ramifications that are involved. Finances need to be divided up, children need to be accommodated for, and documents need to be read and signed. Other than child support, some states also offer spousal support called alimony. Alimony is optional in Oklahoma and may only be granted by a judge under certain circumstances. An Oklahoma City Divorce Lawyer will know more about when alimony is involved.

Basics of Alimony

Alimony is an order by the court that requires one spouse to make payments to the other spouse for a certain length of time. Failing to make a payment by a certain day can lead to legal repercussions. The amount of money paid and how often payments are made are decided by the judge.

Whether alimony is assigned to you or your spouse can depend on various factors surrounding your marriage and current situation. The duration of your marriage, income of you or your spouse, and living environments may be considered. However, an experienced lawyer can give you accurate consultation on what situations involved alimony orders.

In general, the goal of alimony is to help a spouse who is in genuine financial need during or after the divorce. This is where different types of alimony come into play.

Types of Alimony in Oklahoma

There are different types of alimony and different ways alimony can be paid. The two main types of alimony are temporary and long-term alimony. Regardless of which type of alimony is assigned, you or your spouse may be expected to pay a lump sum or on a monthly basis.

Temporary alimony is frequently granted during the divorce trial only. This means the alimony order ends once the divorce is finalized. Spouses who are struggling with the transition and legal fees may be given temporary alimony. However, temporary alimony may also be granted for situations in which a spouse needs time to make money at a new job. In this case, alimony would end after that spouse reaches a stable income.

Long-term alimony is usually offered for spouses who are in a poor financial situation. Disabilities, mental health issues, and similar struggles that lead to financial problems may warrant long-term alimony. The duration of long-term alimony can last for life or until the order is changed by the judge.

Lump-sum payments are paid all at once. Monthly payments are paid each month.

Family Lawyer in Oklahoma City

Trying to figure out who is entitled to alimony or whether alimony will be ordered in court can be a difficult thing to predict. To find out if you may have to pay alimony, try talking to an experienced Oklahoma Family Attorney. Contact the Putnam Law Office at (405) 849-4898 today for a consultation. We will work with you to help you obtain a deal that works best for your financial situation and may be able to change an alimony order that is unjustified. Mr. Putnam is an Oklahoma City, OK attorney who is dedicated to his clients.