When facing a divorce in Oklahoma, one of the pressing questions you might have is about alimony—specifically, how long do I pay alimony. The laws in Oklahoma provide guidelines that help determine the duration and conditions of alimony payments. Let’s break down these rules to understand your potential obligations.
Understanding Alimony in Oklahoma
Alimony (spousal support) is a financial payment that a spouse makes to the other spouse following divorce. It’s meant to help the spouse who receives alimony maintain a standard of living that they were used to having during the marriage. In Oklahoma, the courts consider several factors when deciding whether to award alimony, including each spouse’s financial status, the length of the marriage, and the contributions each spouse made during the marriage.
Duration of Alimony Payments
The length of time you must pay alimony in Oklahoma varies based on the specifics of your situation. The court determines the duration of alimony payments at the time of the divorce decree. There are no set rules for how long the payments must continue, but typically, the longer the marriage, the longer the duration of alimony.
However, there are specific instances where alimony payments can be altered or terminated:
- Death or Remarriage of the Recipient: If the spouse receiving alimony remarries or either spouse dies, alimony payments generally stop. Oklahoma law specifies that alimony payments end upon the death or remarriage of the recipient. This does not include already accrued payments that are due.
- Financial Changes. If there’s a significant change in the financial circumstances of either party, you or your former spouse can request the court to modify the alimony terms. This could mean reducing or even terminating the support. But the person paying must prove a substantial and ongoing change in their ability to pay. In some instances this basis for a modification might be difficult.
- Cohabitation: In Oklahoma, if the spouse receiving alimony begins living with a new partner in a situation comparable to marriage. This is a major reason to ask the court to reconsider the terms. This could lead to a reduction or termination of the support payments.
Legal Specifics from Oklahoma Statutes
According to Oklahoma law, alimony payments that are set as part of property division are irrevocable and are not subject to modification. Only those designated as support can be changed based on the circumstances mentioned earlier. Furthermore, the statute clarifies that any voluntary cohabitation of the recipient with another person is grounds for modification. It’s important to understand that these changes can only be applied to the support portion of your alimony and not to any division of property that may have been ordered.
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Tulsa Alimony Lawyer
If your question is how long do i pay alimony we can help. Alimony laws in Oklahoma are designed to ensure a fair and equitable outcome for both parties in a divorce. While the duration of alimony payments can vary greatly, understanding the law is important. There are laws under which these payments can be modified or terminated. If you’re facing a divorce and concerned about potential alimony obligations, consider consulting with our Tulsa alimony attorneys We provide guidance specific to your situation. Get in touch with Kania Law Office at (918) 743-2233 or online for assistance.
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Are you looking for Tulsa attorneys who will fight aggressively for you? Our team of family & divorce attorneys have the experience needed in Oklahoma law to secure the outcome you deserve.
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