Divorce can significantly change your lifestyle, especially if you have enjoyed a wealthy lifestyle. Knowing how spousal support works in Oklahoma can help you keep your standard of living after divorce.
Determining spousal support
In Oklahoma, spousal support, also called alimony, aims to give financial help to a spouse who needs it during and after divorce. The court looks at several things when deciding on spousal support:
- Length of the marriage: Longer marriages often lead to higher and longer-lasting support.
- Standard of living: The court tries to keep the standard of living set during the marriage.
- Earning capacity: The court checks each spouse’s ability to earn money and support themselves.
- Financial needs and resources: The court examines both spouses’ money needs and resources.
These factors help ensure that spousal support is fair and fits the lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage.
Types of spousal support
Oklahoma doesn’t sort alimony into specific types like some other states. But the ideas of short-term and long-term alimony often apply:
- Short-term alimony: Gives support for a limited time while the receiver gets education or training to support themselves.
- Long-term alimony: Courts award this type of alimony in cases where the receiver cannot support themselves due to age or health issues.
Knowing these types can help you guess the kind of support you might get or have to pay.
Keeping your lifestyle
To keep your lifestyle after divorce, think about these steps:
- Write down your costs: Keep good records of your living costs to show the standard of living during the marriage.
- Negotiate fair deals: Work with your lawyer to negotiate deals that match your money needs and lifestyle.
- Plan for the future: Consider your long-term money needs and how spousal support will help meet them.
These steps help secure a fair spousal support deal that keeps your lifestyle.
Legal help
Handling spousal support in a high-net-worth divorce can be tricky. Talking to an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and choices and ensure you get or pay a fair amount of support.
