Alimony Lawyer in Tulsa

Fighting to Ensure Our Clients Are Treated Fairly in Divorce

When a couple decides to get married, the last thing on their minds is the end of that marriage. Unfortunately, statistics have consistently shown that a large number of marital unions end in divorce. When this happens, there are a variety of legal issues that must be worked out. Spousal support payments are among the most common. If you’ve found yourself facing divorce or legal separation and want to ensure you’re treated fairly, speak with an alimony lawyer in Tulsa today.

At Parsons, Graham & Day, LLC, you’ll work with a dedicated family law attorney who’s committed to securing a favorable outcome on your behalf. We understand that these situations can get complicated, and we know far too many individuals end up with unfair spousal support orders.

If you’re facing a divorce or spousal support issues, our experienced family law attorneys are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How Does Alimony Work in Oklahoma?

When a couple decides to get a divorce or legally separate in Oklahoma, it’s possible that one spouse may be ordered to provide financial support for the other. This is often referred to as alimony, spousal support, or spousal maintenance. These payments are meant to rectify any financial inequity that may exist following the end of a relationship.

Common factors considered by the courts include:

How long a marriage lasted
The financial resources available to each spouse
The financial need of one spouse and the ability to pay of the other
Each spouse’s earning capacity
The age and mental/physical health of each spouse
The established standard of living
Contributions made by one spouse to the other’s career or education

While this is an extensive list of factors considered by the courts, it is far from exhaustive. For instance, courts may consider other factors when children are involved. For instance, the custodial parent may be entitled to higher alimony payments than if the couple had no children. And even though Oklahoma recognizes no-fault divorces, any infidelity or marital wrongdoing that affects a spouse’s needs or ability to pay may be considered.

Types of Oklahoma Alimony

The result of every alimony case will depend entirely upon the unique circumstances of a former couple’s situation. However, spousal support orders in Oklahoma always fall into certain categories. The amount and duration of these payments can vary significantly, but the type of order that’s granted will give you an idea of what to expect. The alimony payment categories in Oklahoma are:

Temporary Alimony: Temporary spousal support assists one spouse during divorce proceedings and typically ends once the divorce is finalized. It may be replaced with a new alimony arrangement.
Rehabilitative Alimony: This alimony helps the recipient spouse become self-supporting, typically through education or job training, for a set period.
Permanent Alimony: Permanent alimony is awarded when the receiving spouse is unlikely to become self-supporting, often due to poor health or other long-term factors.

What if There Are Financial Changes After a Spousal Support Order?

Envision a scenario where a receiving spouse secures a great job or wins the lottery. The paying spouse may opt not to make their next spousal support payment. After all, their former partner is obviously self-supporting at that point. Unfortunately, this would be a mistake. You cannot unilaterally decide to ignore a court order. However, you can seek an order modification if you or your spouse experience changes to your financial situation.

Perhaps your ability to pay has changed, or maybe your former spouse’s financial needs are now different. In either situation, an order modification should be requested. In fact, any substantial change in circumstances could warrant such a modification. Remarriage is one such change, and cohabiting with a new partner is another.

What if You Reach a Spousal Maintenance Agreement on Your Own?

Oklahoma courts prefer when divorcing or separating couples can reach agreements on their own. If you and your former spouse have negotiated your own settlement, it’s important to understand that the courts must still approve it. As long as the agreement is legal and not unfairly balanced, there’s a good chance that the court will approve the order.

However, it’s not always this easy. Simple mistakes can render an agreement unenforceable. Additionally, you may violate statutory obligations without even realizing it. This is why it’s still ideal to speak with an Oklahoma alimony attorney if you’ve negotiated your own spousal support agreement. Even if you did everything right, they can ensure your decision is legally binding and properly filed with the courts.

Contact Our Alimony Lawyers in Tulsa Today

Divorce can involve complex issues like child custody, child support, and alimony. While not every case will have these factors, alimony is a common concern. Having an experienced Tulsa spousal support attorney is essential for negotiations and modifications.

At Parsons, Graham & Day, LLC, our Tulsa family law team is ready to help. We’ll ensure the courts understand why you deserve fair consideration. Spousal support isn’t guaranteed, but its application can be unexpected. Whether you’ve reached an agreement with your ex or need help making your case, we’re here to support you.

Whatever your situation, our alimony lawyers in Tulsa are ready to help. Contact us today at (918) 553-5771 to schedule your confidential consultation.