As a family law firm in Stillwater, we understand that going through a divorce is not only emotionally challenging—it can also create serious financial uncertainty. One common concern for many of our clients is how they’ll support themselves once the divorce is finalized, especially if they’ve been out of the workforce for several years. That’s where rehabilitative alimony may come into play.
Rehabilitative alimony is a type of temporary financial support that one spouse may be ordered to pay the other after a divorce. The purpose is to help the receiving spouse become financially self-sufficient over time. In simple terms, it’s meant to give that spouse a chance to "get back on their feet."
This kind of alimony is most commonly awarded when one spouse has spent a significant portion of the marriage out of the workforce—perhaps staying home to raise children or support the other spouse’s career. Rehabilitative alimony provides time and financial support for things like:
Rehabilitative alimony is not permanent. It usually comes with a timeline or plan that outlines how long support will be provided and what steps the receiving spouse is expected to take during that period.
Let’s say one spouse has a college degree but hasn’t worked in over ten years. The court may order rehabilitative alimony for two or three years while that person updates their skills, completes a refresher course, or goes through job training. During that time, they receive financial help from the other spouse.
The goal is to help the supported spouse become self-reliant—not to provide long-term financial support indefinitely.
When determining whether to award rehabilitative alimony and for how long, Oklahoma courts (and courts in other states) look at several factors, including:
Each case is unique, and the court has discretion to decide what is fair and reasonable based on the specific circumstances.
Yes, rehabilitative alimony can be modified, but only under certain conditions. If there’s a significant change in circumstances, either party may request the court to review and adjust the support.
For example:
It’s important to note that you cannot simply stop paying or ignore the court order. If your situation changes, talk to an attorney right away so the proper legal steps can be taken.
At Ball Morse Lowe, PLLC, we’re committed to guiding you through every step of the divorce process with clarity and care. If you have questions about rehabilitative alimony or any other family law matter, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experienced divorce lawyers in Stillwater are ready to help you move forward with confidence. Call us now at 405.701.5355 for a free consultation!