Support Alimony Versus Property Alimony in Oklahoma
Oklahoma lets the court allow alimony as it thinks reasonable, payable in gross or installments, and requires the decree to state which part of each payment is support and which pertains to a division of property, which is irrevocable.
What the statute says
“Either spouse may be allowed such alimony out of real and personal property of the other as the court shall think reasonable, having due regard to the value of such property at the time of the dissolution of marriage. Alimony may be allowed from real or personal property, or both, or in the form of money judgment, payable either in gross or in installments, as the court may deem just and equitable” (43 O.S. 121(B)).
Two kinds of payment
A decree that provides for periodic alimony must plainly state the dollar amount of all or a portion of each payment that is designated as support and the amount that pertains to a division of property, and must provide that the property payments continue until completed (43 O.S. 134(A)). Property payments are irrevocable and cannot later be modified by the court that made the award; support payments can.
Why the split matters
Because only the support part can be modified, ends on the recipient’s death or remarriage and is open to a cohabitation claim, how a decree labels each dollar decides what can change later. Alimony in gross, a lump sum or a fixed installment plan set as a division of property is not modifiable.
No formula
The statute gives no list of factors, no percentage and no schedule of years. The court weighs the parties’ circumstances and the value of the property as a whole, together with the property division it makes at the same time.
Liens
An order to pay money, whether designated as support or as property, is not a lien on the payor’s real property unless the order says so; an arrearage reduced to judgment may be a lien.
Questions to bring to an attorney
Ask how the decree should divide each payment between support and property and what that means for later changes.
Next steps
Read when support ends or changes and test numbers in the Oklahoma alimony calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Does Oklahoma have two kinds of alimony?
The decree separates the part of each payment that is support from the part that pertains to a division of property.
Can Oklahoma property alimony be modified?
No. Payments pertaining to a division of property are irrevocable and not subject to later modification.
Can Oklahoma alimony be a lump sum?
Yes. It may be allowed in real or personal property or as a money judgment payable in gross or in installments.
Is there an Oklahoma alimony formula?
No. The statute sets no formula, schedule or list of factors.
Is Oklahoma alimony a lien on real property?
Not unless the order specifically provides for a lien.
Official sources
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Oklahoma statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Oklahoma attorney.