What You Should Know About Spousal Support in Oklahoma

A lot of things change after a divorce. The children are separated from one of their parents, the father or mother has to start paying child support, and their combined income is divided up. Most people have heard of child support, but there is also spousal support. If you have legal or financial questions about divorce, feel free to talk with an Oklahoma family attorney who can work with you to protect your rights.

Oklahoma Spousal Support

Spousal support is not required in Oklahoma for a divorce to become final, but many judges still order spousal support for certain situations. A judge will look at a couple’s future earning capacity, the length of the marriage, health, and ages of each partner. They will also determine whether spousal support can be paid by either partner. If someone cannot pay the spousal support with their current income, then the judge may reconsider the amount of spousal support required.

Oklahoma also allows spousal maintenance, a temporary spousal support plan that ends as soon as the divorce proceedings conclude. Temporary spousal support is also the preferred court order for a payment plan after the divorce is finalized.

Most judges do not require spouses to pay temporary spousal support longer than half the length of the marriage. However, there are cases in which a judge will order longer alimony. This is done when one spouse is struggling financially after the divorce.

The Process of Alimony

Alimony is another word for spousal support and can be requested from the court by either former partner. Courts issue alimony when money is reasonable and needed by the other former partner to afford the costs of living. Not all marriages are between two people that have high paying jobs. Sometimes one partner stays at home to raise kids. A divorce can take away that partner’s primary income and leave that person homeless.

Your alimony may be determined based on how quickly you can find a job after the divorce and your ability to support yourself financially. Retirement benefits, child support awards, and future income are also considered when calculating the cost of alimony.

To request alimony, you can either make an agreement with your former spouse or ask the judge. If you and your spouse disagree, the court will decide whether the alimony will go through. Make sure you request an alimony before the divorce is finalized because they are not usually granted afterwards.

Oklahoma City Divorce Lawyer

If you are considering divorce, try speaking with an Oklahoma divorce lawyer about your situation. They will be able to provide you with resources and foreknowledge about what types of deals you may be offered, how to avoid unfair deals, and ways to defend against wrongful accusations that could hurt you financially. You may not have to settle for seeing your kids only on weekends or giving up property that is rightfully yours. Call the Putnam Law Office at (405)-849-9149 today for consultation. Mr. Putnam is an Oklahoma City, OK attorney who puts clients first.