OKC Divorce Lawyer Blog
Am I Entitled to Property or Support After an Oklahoma Common Law Marriage?
In Oklahoma, common law marriages occur when two people agree to be married, live together, and present themselves as spouses, even without a formal ceremony or license (Okla. Stat. tit. 43 § 5). Such marriages have the same legal status as traditional marriages, requiring formal divorce to end. Property division, child custody, and support issues must be resolved through the courts. Without legally ending a common law marriage, entering another marriage can result in criminal charges for bigamy (Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 843.5). A Oklahoma City divorce attorney may be referenced in related legal matters.
Read more »Alimony and Retirement: Can Payments Be Reduced in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma recognizes common law marriage when two people live together with the intent to be married, without a formal ceremony or license, under Okla. Stat. tit. 43 § 5(E). To establish a common law marriage, there must be clear and convincing evidence that both parties consented to the marriage, shown through factors like living together, community recognition, and joint financial documents. Common law marriages have the same legal rights as traditional marriages, including property division and spousal support, and can only be ended by divorce, annulment, or death. For more information, see an Oklahoma City lawyer.
Read more »Can I Avoid Paying Alimony in an Oklahoma Divorce?
In Oklahoma, alimony can be modified if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, such as retirement causing a significant income decrease. Courts assess whether the retirement was made in good faith or to avoid support, as established in Garcia v. Garcia, 2012 OK 81. Alimony and property division are separate; receiving property does not waive alimony rights (Ford v. Ford, 1988 OK 103). Other modification grounds include remarriage and cohabitation. Courts consider factors like financial need, standard of living, and earning capacity. For related legal perspectives, see Oklahoma City attorney.
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