Question:
My wife told me six months into our marriage that she wants a divorce and to receive alimony.
Will I have to pay alimony if our marriage lasted less than one year?
Answer:
This answer only includes general divorce help for men since I am only licensed to practice in Oklahoma and am thus unable to provide any legal advice on the laws in your state.
In most states, spousal support is based on two factors: need and the ability to pay.
So your wife would have to show the court that she has a need for support, and that you have the ability to pay said support.
It is important to note that the duration of the marriage appears to be a critical factor for nearly every court asked to make a spousal support award. The fact that the two of you were married for only six months should play heavily in your favor for limiting your alimony exposure.
Please understand that my opinions are based upon the limited facts that you provided to me. For a more in depth discussion of fathers rights and legal advice on divorce, I urge you to contact a family law attorney.
To set up an appointment with a Cordell & Cordell mens divorce attorney, including Christian D. Barnard, an Associate Attorney in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, office, please contact Cordell & Cordell.
