Spousal Support is Based on Need, Not Gender
Traditionally, when you think of alimony (also known as maintenance or spousal support), you likely think of an ex-husband making payments to an ex-wife. As Tulsa divorce attorney, I more often find that men’s concern in divorce is protecting their assets against an estranged spouse’s unfair alimony demands.
However, this is not always the case, especially in recent times. Oklahoma laws provide alimony rights to an ex-spouse when they need help to establish themselves on their own financially after marriage. The law does not specify that the alimony recipient has to be a woman.
While it is much less common for courts to award alimony for men, it is the appropriate decision in certain situations. Men can get alimony for the same reasons a divorcing wife could get alimony. Social factors outside the law are the reason women more often receive alimony.
Alimony in Oklahoma is intended to help a divorcing spouse become financially stable outside a marriage where the other spouse was the primary income earner. If a spouse depended on the other for financial support in the marriage, there could be a question of alimony after the marriage.
If there is an income discrepancy between you and your wife and you believe you should qualify for alimony payments in your divorce, you need a Tulsa divorce attorney for men handling your case. Contact an attorney who understands how to stand up for your rights in a divorce case.
When Husbands Deserve Alimony
Societal values and gender roles are changing, and more women are focused on building careers, running businesses, and other enterprises than ever before. When it comes to the division of labor at home, many wives are providing financial support while husbands stay home or work fewer hours to provide child and household care. This is a valuable contribution to a household, and a husband should never be penalized for this decision in the event of a divorce.
In addition, even if a husband does not stay home, he may simply earn less than his wife. While married, her income may be the basis for their standard of living and, if they get divorced, the husband may not be able to immediately support his own household on his current income.
In either of the above situations, an alimony award to a husband should likely be in order. If the court reviews the situation and decides an alimony request is reasonable, the judge may award alimony to a husband, just as they may award alimony to a wife. Men deserve proper financial support until they gain the training, education, or experience needed to support themselves, especially after longer marriages or if they sacrificed their careers for the good of the family.
Alimony and Other Options
Alimony awards can come in the form of monthly payments for a set period of time, but there could be other solutions to consider. It may be beneficial to receive a lump sum payment or even get a greater portion of the marital property – like the family home, for instance – instead of receiving ongoing alimony payments. It is important to consider all of your options for negotiation before heading into a battle over alimony payments.
Learn How a Men’s Divorce Lawyer in Tulsa Can Protect Your Rights
Alimony is often one of the most contested issues in a divorce. The outcome of an alimony determination can set the stage for your financial future. You need an ally who knows your rights under Oklahoma law and knows how advocate for those rights in court. Contact a Tulsa men’s divorce lawyer to schedule a consultation about your rights to alimony as a husband. Call my office at (918) 986-7724 or send your question using the form on this page.
