Legal Question in Family Law in Oregon

Re: Alimony

QUESTION:

Is alimony obligatory?

ANSWER:

No.

QUESTION:

If not, in what instances can a woman ask for Alimony in a divorce?

ANSWER: Alimony (referred to under Oregon law as "spousal support") can be sought in any case. Whether it will be awarded, or not, depends on a number of various factors and considerations.

Oregon law, ORS 107.105(1)(d) says:

Spousal support may be ordered in an amount and for a period of time as may be just and equitable for one party to contribute to the other, in gross or in installments or both. The court may order:

(A) Transitional spousal support as needed for a party to attain education and training necessary to allow the party to prepare for reentry into the job market or for advancement therein.

(B) Compensatory spousal support when there has been a significant financial or other contribution by one party to the education, training, vocational skills, career or earning capacity of the other party and when an order for compensatory spousal support is otherwise just and equitable in all of the circumstances.

(C) Spousal maintenance as a contribution by one spouse to the support of the other for either a specified or an indefinite period.

There are a number of various factors under each of the foregoing categories, as listed in the statute but too long to recite here. Read the statute yourself, or consult with a lawyer.