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 divorce or legally separate in Oklahoma, financial support may be necessary to address economic disparities between spouses. Commonly referred to as alimony, spousal support, or spousal maintenance, these payments aim to ensure financial balance after the relationship ends. Courts analyze several factors to determine whether alimony is appropriate and, if so, how much should be paid.

Common Factors Considered by Oklahoma Courts

Courts carefully evaluate a range of considerations when making decisions about alimony, including:

The Duration of the Marriage: Longer marriages may lead to larger or longer-term support obligations.
Each Spouse’s Financial Resources: Courts examine available assets and sources of income to assess need and capacity to pay.
Financial Needs vs. Ability to Pay: Balancing the requesting spouse’s needs with the other’s ability to provide support is key.
Earning Capacity of Both Parties: Potential future earning power plays a significant role in determining spousal support.
Age and Health: The physical and mental well-being of each spouse can affect their ability to earn income or require support.
Standard of Living: Courts strive to maintain a similar standard of living for both parties post-divorce.
Contributions to Career or Education: Significant contributions, such as one spouse supporting the other through schooling, are often factored in.

Other Potential Considerations

While these are some of the most common factors, the circumstances of individual cases can introduce additional elements for consideration. For example:

Parenting Responsibilities: If children are involved, the custodial parent may receive higher alimony payments to support the child’s living situation and welfare.
Marital Misconduct: Although Oklahoma allows no-fault divorces, misconduct such as infidelity may influence the court’s decision if it impacts a spouse’s financial needs or resources.

At Parsons, Graham & Day, LLC, we understand how these complex factors can influence court proceedings and impact your life. If you have questions about alimony payments or your legal rights during a divorce, we’re here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

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?

Imagine a scenario where the spouse receiving alimony payments secures a high-paying job or even wins the lottery. It might seem reasonable for the paying spouse to assume they can skip their next payment, believing their former partner is now financially independent. However, choosing to withhold payments without the court’s approval is a serious mistake that can lead to legal consequences. Regardless of changing circumstances, court orders must be followed as they remain legally binding until formally modified.

If your financial circumstances or those of your former spouse have shifted significantly, the appropriate course of action is to seek an order modification. For instance, if the paying spouse faces a job loss or other reduction in earning capacity, they may no longer be able to meet their support obligation as originally ordered. Similarly, if the receiving spouse’s financial needs change—for example, due to increased income or a major windfall—the current support order may no longer reflect their situation.

Courts consider numerous factors when deciding whether a modification is justified. Substantial changes, such as a remarriage or a new cohabitation arrangement, can influence these proceedings. Addressing these matters through proper court channels ensures that decisions remain fair and uphold everyone’s best interests under the law. At Parsons, Graham & Day, LLC, we assist clients with pursuing modifications that align with their changing financial realities.

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.