The lack of alimony guidelines in Oklahoma creates financial uncertainty for divorcing couples

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Oklahoma is one of several states that does not have a formula for determining the amount of alimony in a divorce.

In Oklahoma, the decision on the amount of alimony rests entirely with the judges, there are no formulas or guidelines to help them, leaving Oklahomans going through a divorce with a big question mark when it comes to alimony, so far you can expect.

Alimony is money paid by one former spouse to another following a divorce. Although it's not a part of every divorce, it is quite common, according to Custody X Change.

“Today it is sometimes referred to as spousal support or spousal support because it can be paid in a lump sum,” said Shea Drefs, editor-in-chief of Custody Monthly Pay.”

Alimony payments are used to help former couples start a new, independent financial life.

“The point of alimony is that it is not intended to be some kind of punishment,” Drefs said. “If one person clearly has more financial resources than the other and the other needs help, then alimony comes into play. The new ex-spouses become financially independent, so ideally this doesn't go on forever.”

According to Custody X Change, there is currently no formula or guidelines for child support payments in Oklahoma.

“There's nothing in the law that says this is a guideline, or even he's made very clear guidelines about what the judge is going to take into account,” Drefs said, “what that means if you get a divorce. “, You really don't know what to expect – what is generally considered fair, what happens in other cases, so you don't have a clear starting point for your negotiations.”

Experts say about a third of states in the U.S. have a formula that provides consistency for both divorcing parties and judges.

“It gives them some sense that what lawmakers have looked at and thought was a good way to deal with alimony is OK,” Drefs said. “And then of course when you go to a judge because you can't agree to that,” gives you a sense of what to expect so you can start planning for what you want.

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