Receiving alimony while employed isn’t impossible, but you must meet certain criteria. Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a court-ordered financial payment that one spouse provides to the other after a divorce. In Oklahoma, many individuals wonder whether they can receive alimony while still being employed. While employment does not automatically disqualify someone from receiving alimony, the court considers several factors in their decision.

Understanding Alimony in Oklahoma

Oklahoma courts award alimony based on equity and fairness, not as an automatic right. Courts may order alimony in a lump sum, installments, or both. The primary purpose of alimony is to help the receiving spouse maintain financial stability after divorce, especially if they were financially dependent on the other spouse.

Employment does not automatically disqualify a spouse from receiving alimony. The court examines whether the employed spouse still requires financial assistance to maintain a reasonable standard of living post-divorce.

Key factors the court considers include:

1. Income Disparity – If one spouse earns significantly less than the other, the court may still grant alimony even if the lower-earning spouse has a job.
2. Standard of Living – Courts assess whether the employed spouse can sustain a similar standard of living as during the marriage.
3. Financial Need vs. Ability to Pay – Even if a spouse is employed, they may still struggle to meet necessary expenses. The court will compare this with the paying spouse’s ability to pay.
4. Duration of the Marriage – Longer marriages typically result in higher and longer-lasting alimony awards, even if the recipient is working.
5. Contributions to the Marriage – If one spouse sacrificed career opportunities to support the other (e.g., staying home to raise children), they may still qualify for alimony despite current employment.
6. Health and Age – If the employed spouse has health issues or is close to retirement, they may receive support due to financial limitations.

Types of Alimony That May Apply to an Employed Spouse

Even if a spouse is working, they may be eligible for:

• Temporary Alimony – Provides support while the divorce is pending.
• Rehabilitative Alimony – Helps the receiving spouse transition into financial independence, such as covering education or job training costs.
• Permanent Alimony – Rare but may apply in long-term marriages where one spouse has limited earning potential.

Alimony is modifiable in Oklahoma under certain circumstances. The paying spouse can request a modification or termination of alimony if they can prove that the recipient’s employment significantly improved their financial situation. However, employment alone is not enough—the court will assess whether the recipient still requires support to maintain financial stability.

Tulsa Family Law Attorneys

Being employed does not automatically prevent a spouse from receiving alimony in Oklahoma. Courts focus on income disparity, financial need, and fairness rather than simply whether the recipient has a job. If you’re facing alimony disputes, get a free consultation from a Tulsa County Lawyers Group family law attorney by calling 918.379.4864. Or you can ask an online question by following this link.