OKLAHOMA Part 73

In Oklahoma, there are two kinds of spousal support available: spousal maintenance and alimony. Spousal maintenance is ordered by the court to be paid by one spouse to the other while the divorce proceedings are taking place. This means from the time you file for divorce until the final divorce decree is issued. Alimony, is awarded in the final divorce decree and is to be paid in money or property after the divorce for a specific length of time or indefinitely.

As mentioned above, Oklahoma courts consider a number of factors when making alimony determinations. Most importantly, Oklahoma courts will consider the length of the marriage and the ability of the spouses to support themselves. The duration of alimony in Oklahoma will be determined based on what is reasonable under the circumstance and the amount of time it will take for the receiving spouse to become self-supporting. Short-term alimony may be awarded to give the receiving spouse time to prepare financially for the separation. On the other hand, the court may award long-term or even life-long alimony after a lengthy marriage and if the needs of the receiving spouse dictate.