Alimony: What Courts Consider in Award Decisions
Hi, my name is Dylan Savage of Wirth Law Office, and today we are going to be discussing what a court takes into account when determining whether or not alimony should be ordered in a certain case. The main factors that the court is going to look at are twofold. They are going to examine the ability of one party to pay the alimony and the need of the other party.
This assessment is further broken down into several aspects that the court may consider. For instance, they will look at the length of the marriage, which is particularly relevant in Oklahoma. Often, for every three years of marriage, the court may consider one year of alimony, although this is not an absolute rule.
Key Factors Influencing Alimony Decisions
The court will also take into consideration the age of both parties and their income potential. This includes evaluating the actual income of the parties at the time of the divorce, as well as how long it may take for one party to regain stability. Another crucial factor is whether one party was a stay-at-home parent or caretaker.
In such cases, the court will assess if that individual was induced to give up their career by the other spouse. If so, it could be argued that their earning potential was significantly higher, and they should not be left at a disadvantage following the separation.
The Comprehensive Evaluation Process
In determining the necessity for alimony, the court will review all these sub-factors to evaluate the inability of one party and the financial need of the other. This includes assessing how much alimony should be paid and the duration for which it needs to be provided. Every case is unique, and the context surrounding each marital situation plays a crucial role in the decision-making process.
If you found this video to be at all helpful, or think it could assist someone else, please visit theoklahomaattorney.com. My name is Dylan Savage of Wirth Law Office, and I hope you found this video to be very informative.
Get a Low-Cost Consultation Today!
If you have questions about alimony or need assistance with your divorce proceedings, we are here to help. Contact a Oklahoma City divorce lawyer for a low-cost consultation at 405-888-5400 and let a Oklahoma City attorney guide you through the process.
