Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in Oklahoma

May 5, 2023 Amanda

Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in Oklahoma

Step	Description
1	Meet the residency requirements by living in Oklahoma for at least six months before filing for divorce.
2	Fill out the necessary forms, including a petition for divorce, summons, and confidential information sheet. These forms can be found on the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s website or obtained from the court clerk.
3	File the forms with the court clerk in the county where you or your spouse resides. Pay the filing fee, which varies by county.
4	Serve your spouse with a copy of the petition and summons. This can be done by a process server or by certified mail. If your spouse agrees to the divorce, they can sign a waiver of service.
5	Wait for your spouse to file a response, or if they do not respond within 20 days, file a request for default judgment.
6	If you and your spouse agree on all issues, including property division, child custody, and support, file a settlement agreement with the court. If you cannot agree, attend mediation or a court hearing to resolve the issues.
7	Attend a final hearing where the judge will review your settlement agreement or make a decision on the contested issues. If the judge approves, they will sign a final decree of divorce.
8	Follow the terms of the final decree, including any orders for child support or custody, and division of property.

Introduction to Divorce Process in Oklahoma

Residency: At least one spouse must have been a resident of Oklahoma for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.
Grounds: The petitioning spouse must provide grounds or reasons for the divorce. These may include adultery, abandonment, impotence, fraud, cruelty or incompatibility.
Petition: The first step in filing for divorce is submitting a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage to the district court clerk’s office where you reside. This document outlines basic information about you and your spouse such as names, addresses and dates of birth.

In addition to these initial steps, other important aspects of the divorce process include property division, child custody arrangements (if applicable), spousal support payments (also known as alimony) and child support payments. It is highly recommended that those seeking a divorce consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance throughout each stage of the process.

Definition of divorce

Petitioner: The person who initiates the divorce proceedings by filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court.
Respondent: The other spouse, who receives notice of the divorce proceedings from the court and has an opportunity to respond or contest any issues raised in the petition.
Fault vs No-Fault Divorce: In a fault-based divorce, one spouse alleges that the other is responsible for causing the breakdown of the marriage due to actions such as adultery or cruelty. In a no-fault divorce, neither party needs to prove wrongdoing; instead, they may simply state that their marriage is irretrievably broken.

It’s important to note that while divorces can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and factors such as child custody arrangements or division of property, understanding these basic definitions can provide clarity and help prepare individuals for what lies ahead during this often difficult time.

Types of divorce in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, there are two main types of divorce: contested and uncontested. Understanding the differences between these types can help you determine which type of divorce is right for your situation.

Contested Divorce: This occurs when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and the other spouse contests or disputes any aspect of the filing, such as property division or child custody arrangements. In a contested divorce, both parties will need to appear in court to resolve any outstanding issues.
Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all aspects related to the dissolution of their marriage, including division of assets and liabilities, spousal support (if applicable), child custody arrangements and visitation schedules. As a result, an uncontested divorce may be less expensive and time-consuming than its contested counterpart.

It’s important to note that while most divorces fall into one of these two categories, each case is unique and may require additional legal guidance from an experienced family law attorney who can help navigate the complexities associated with ending a marriage in Oklahoma.

Reasons for divorce in Oklahoma

No matter what grounds are cited when filing for divorce in Oklahoma, it is essential that individuals consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance throughout each stage of the process. An attorney can help ensure that all legal requirements are met, and protect their client’s rights while advocating on their behalf in court.

Benefits of divorce mediation

Divorce mediation is an alternative to traditional divorce litigation and involves a neutral third party who helps facilitate communication and negotiation between divorcing spouses. There are several benefits of choosing divorce mediation over a contested divorce, including:

Cost-effective: Mediation can be less expensive than going to court because it typically takes less time and requires fewer legal fees.
Maintains control: Unlike in a court case where the judge makes the final decisions, in mediation, both parties have more control over the outcome of their case.
Less adversarial: Since mediation focuses on collaboration rather than competition, it can help preserve relationships between ex-spouses and reduce hostility.

It’s important to note that while not all couples may be candidates for mediation, those who are willing to work together towards reaching mutually beneficial solutions may find this approach to be a valuable option when navigating the divorce process.

Residency Requirements for Filing for Divorce in Oklahoma

It’s essential that you meet these residency requirements before attempting to file your petition with an Oklahoma court. Failure to do so can result in delays or even dismissal of your case. If you’re unsure whether you meet these qualifications or have questions about filing for divorce more broadly, speak with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through this process from start to finish.

Minimum residency requirements

Before filing for divorce in Oklahoma, you must meet the minimum residency requirements set forth by state law. These requirements ensure that the courts have jurisdiction over your case and are as follows:

At least one spouse must be a resident of Oklahoma for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.
The petitioning spouse must file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the district court clerk’s office where they or their spouse resides.

If you do not meet these residency requirements, you may need to wait until you do before proceeding with your divorce. It’s important to note that residency is just one aspect of a divorce and should be considered alongside other key factors such as property division, child custody arrangements (if applicable), spousal support payments and child support payments. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help provide guidance throughout each stage of the process.

Document requirements

In addition to these required documents, other documentation may be necessary depending on individual circumstances. For example:

Child Custody Affidavit: If children are involved in the divorce proceedings, this form must be completed by both parties to establish child custody arrangements.
Financial Affidavits: Required if property division or spousal support is being contested. These affidavits provide detailed financial information about each party’s income, expenses and assets/liabilities.

Filing for divorce can be overwhelming; however, an experienced family law attorney can help ensure all necessary documentation is properly prepared and submitted to avoid delays or complications during the process.

Exceptions to residency requirements

It’s important to note that while these exceptions exist, navigating the legal process surrounding them can still be complex. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney who understands local laws and regulations can help ensure you’re taking all necessary steps when filing for divorce in Oklahoma.

Grounds for Divorce in Oklahoma

It’s important to note that while Oklahoma recognizes both fault-based and no-fault divorces. The most common ground cited by petitioners is irreconcilable differences which constitutes a no-fault divorce where neither party needs to prove wrongdoing; instead they can simply state that their marriage is irretrievably broken.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Oklahoma and need help navigating this complex process. Contacting an experienced family law attorney who understands your unique circumstances can help ensure you achieve an outcome that’s fair and equitable under Oklahoma law.

Fault-based grounds

If you are filing for divorce based on fault, it’s important to gather evidence that supports your claims. This can include witness statements, photographs, text messages, emails and financial records. It’s highly recommended that those seeking a divorce consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance throughout each stage of the process.

No-fault grounds

Oklahoma is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that neither spouse needs to prove fault or wrongdoing in order to file for divorce. Instead, either spouse may simply state that the marriage is irretrievably broken and seek dissolution of the marriage on those grounds.

Irreconcilable incompatibility: This is one of the most common grounds cited for seeking a no-fault divorce. It means that both spouses have fundamental differences that cannot be resolved and make it impossible to continue their marriage.
Living Separate and Apart: This ground requires proof that both parties have been living separately for at least 180 days prior to filing for divorce.

No-fault divorces can be less contentious than fault-based divorces since they don’t require proving any specific conduct by either party. However, it’s still important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Evidence required for fault-based divorce

Proof of adultery such as photographs or text messages
Police reports or medical records documenting instances of domestic violence or abuse
Bank statements and other financial documents that show fraud or hidden assets
Affidavits from witnesses who can attest to your spouse’s misconduct (such as an affair)

In addition to collecting this evidence, it’s also crucial to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help build a compelling case in support of your position.

Divorce Process in Oklahoma

Throughout each stage of your divorce case,it is highly recommended that those seeking legal counsel consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance throughout each stage of this often difficult time.

Filing for divorce

Filing for divorce in Oklahoma can be a complex process. Here’s what you need to know about getting started:

Gather Important Information: Before filing, it’s important to have all necessary information at hand such as your marriage certificate, property deeds, financial records and any relevant legal documents.
Complete Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: As mentioned earlier, this document outlines basic information about you and your spouse such as names, addresses and dates of birth. It also details the grounds or reasons for the divorce.
File with District Court Clerk’s Office: Once completed, submit the petition to the district court clerk’s office where you reside along with applicable filing fees. Be sure to keep copies of all paperwork submitted as well as any responses received from your spouse or their legal representation.

While these steps may seem straightforward, it is highly recommended that those seeking a divorce consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance throughout each stage of the process.

Serving divorce papers

It’s important that serving divorce papers is done correctly because if not completed properly, it could lead to delays in your divorce proceedings. Once your spouse has been served with papers, they will typically have 20 days (30 days if out-of-state) from receipt of those documents to file their response with the court.

If you are unsure about how best serve your spouse with divorce papers or if you anticipate any challenges related to this process, consulting an experienced family law attorney can help ensure that everything is handled properly and efficiently so that you can move forward through this difficult time as smoothly as possible.

Responding to divorce papers

In general, responding to divorce papers involves filing a written response with the court within a certain period of time (usually 20 days). Your response should address any allegations made in your spouse’s petition and may include counterclaims or requests for relief of your own. It’s also possible that additional hearings or mediation sessions may be required before any final decisions are reached.

Overall, responding promptly and thoughtfully to divorce papers is an important step towards protecting your interests and ensuring that any issues related to property division, spousal support or child custody arrangements are resolved fairly and equitably.

Temporary orders during divorce process

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Oklahoma, it’s important to understand your rights and options at every stage of the process. An experienced family law attorney can provide guidance and representation throughout each step, helping you achieve a fair and equitable resolution that meets your needs.

Discovery process in divorce

During a divorce, both parties may be required to go through a process known as discovery. This process allows each party to gather information from the other in order to build their case and reach an equitable resolution.

Interrogatories: A set of written questions that one party sends to the other seeking specific information related to the divorce proceedings.
Depositions: These are formal interviews conducted under oath where one party asks questions of the other in person. The responses given during depositions can be used as evidence in court.
Requests for Production of Documents: This is a legal request for certain documents or evidence, such as financial statements, bank records or emails related to the case.

The discovery process can be time-consuming and often requires assistance from an experienced family law attorney who can help navigate any issues that arise during this stage of the divorce proceedings. However, going through this process is essential in ensuring that both parties have access to all relevant information needed to make informed decisions about property division, spousal support (if applicable) and child custody arrangements.

Divorce settlement negotiations

In many cases, settling outside of court can be beneficial as it allows both parties more control over the final outcome. However, it’s important to remember that negotiations can be emotionally charged and complex legal issues may arise. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney throughout this process can provide invaluable guidance and support.

Trial or final hearing

After the initial paperwork has been filed and both parties have had an opportunity to respond, a final hearing or trial may be scheduled in order to resolve any outstanding issues related to the divorce. Here are some important things to know about this stage of the process:

Evidence: Both parties will be given an opportunity to present evidence related to any disputed issues such as property division, child custody or spousal support.
Judge’s Decision: Ultimately, it is up to the judge overseeing the case to make decisions regarding these issues. It’s important for individuals going through a divorce in Oklahoma to understand that while they may not get everything they want, judges will strive for a fair and equitable outcome based on all available information.

Overall, while final hearings can be emotionally charged and stressful for those involved, being prepared with evidence and having experienced legal representation can help ensure your interests are represented during this critical stage of the divorce process.

Final decree of divorce

The final decree of divorce is a legally binding document that must be followed by both parties. Failure to comply with its terms could result in fines or even imprisonment. It’s essential that you work with an experienced family law attorney throughout your divorce process to ensure that your interests are protected and that you receive fair treatment under Oklahoma law.

Child Custody and Support in Oklahoma

Child custody and support are often some of the most emotionally charged issues involved in a divorce. Here is what you need to know about these topics in Oklahoma:

Custody Arrangements: In Oklahoma, there are two types of child custody: physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody refers to where the child will live after the divorce, while legal custody refers to who has decision-making authority over important matters such as education, healthcare and religion.
Child Support Payments: The amount of child support paid by one parent to another will depend on several factors including each parent’s income, number of children and parenting time arrangements. Child support payments typically continue until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever comes later), though certain circumstances may require that they be extended.

If you are going through a divorce with children involved, it is highly recommended that you seek assistance from an experienced family law attorney who can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout this difficult process.

Types of child custody

Determining what type(s) of custodial arrangements will work best for your family can be an emotional and complex process. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney who understands Oklahoma’s laws regarding divorce and child custody can help ensure that you make well-informed decisions throughout this challenging time.

Factors considered in child custody determination

In addition to these considerations, Oklahoma courts also encourage parents to work together in developing a parenting plan that takes into account the unique needs and circumstances of their family. This can include creating schedules for visitation, holidays, and vacations as well as outlining responsibilities for decision-making related to the children’s education or healthcare.

If you are going through a divorce with minor children involved it is highly recommended that you seek legal guidance from an experienced family law attorney who can help ensure your rights are protected throughout this process.

Child support guidelines in Oklahoma

Child support is an important aspect of many divorces in Oklahoma, particularly those involving minor children. Understanding the state’s child support guidelines can help ensure that both parents are able to provide for their children following a divorce.

Determining Child Support: In Oklahoma, child support is determined using a formula that takes into account several factors including each parent’s income and expenses, the number of children involved and any special needs or circumstances related to the child’s care.
Paying Child Support: Typically, child support payments are made by the non-custodial parent (i.e., the parent who has less physical custody of the child). These payments may be deducted from their paycheck or paid directly to the custodial parent.
Modifying Child Support Orders: If there are significant changes in either parent’s financial situation (such as job loss or promotion), it may be necessary to modify existing child support orders. This typically requires filing a motion with the court and demonstrating that there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered.

If you have questions about how child support will be calculated in your case, it is important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance and help ensure that your rights as a parent are protected throughout every stage of your divorce proceedings.

Enforcement of child support orders

In addition, Oklahoma has established Child Support Services (CSS) which provides resources such as locating absent parents, establishing paternity and enforcing child support orders. CSS also offers mediation services for parents who wish to modify existing agreements outside of court proceedings.

If you are experiencing difficulties obtaining child support payments from your former spouse, speaking with an experienced family law attorney can provide insight into your legal rights and help ensure that you receive what is owed to you under Oklahoma law.

Property Division in Oklahoma

When getting a divorce in Oklahoma, property division is one of the most significant issues to be addressed. Oklahoma follows an “equitable distribution” approach when dividing assets and liabilities between divorcing spouses. This means that property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally.

Marital Property: In Oklahoma, marital property includes any assets acquired during the course of the marriage. This can include real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement benefits and other items of value.
Separate Property: Separate property refers to assets owned by one spouse prior to entering into the marriage or acquired through inheritance or gift during the course of the marriage.

It’s important to note that while equitable distribution may not always result in equal division of assets and debts between spouses, it is designed to ensure that each party receives a fair share based on their contributions throughout the marriage. Additionally, it is recommended that individuals seek legal guidance from an experienced family law attorney who can help protect their rights and interests throughout this process.

Types of property in divorce

When going through a divorce in Oklahoma, dividing property can be one of the most complicated and contentious aspects of the process. Understanding the types of property that may be subject to division can help alleviate some stress.

Marital Property: Any assets or debts acquired during the course of the marriage are considered marital property and must be divided equitably between both parties. Examples include income earned, real estate, retirement accounts, vehicles and personal belongings.
Separate Property: Separate property is not subject to division during a divorce as it belongs solely to one spouse. Examples include inheritances received before or during marriage, gifts from third parties, and any assets owned by one party prior to getting married.

In some cases, determining what constitutes separate vs marital property can be complex. It’s important for those seeking a divorce in Oklahoma to work with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance throughout this aspect of the process.

Property division process in Oklahoma

Property division is a significant aspect of any divorce, and it can be particularly complex in Oklahoma. In this state, marital property is divided equitably, which means that the court will seek to divide assets and debts fairly but not necessarily equally.

Equitable Distribution: Oklahoma courts consider various factors when dividing property between spouses. These may include each spouse’s earning capacity, contributions to the marriage (both financial and non-financial), duration of the marriage, age and health of both parties, as well as any other relevant factor deemed appropriate by the court.
Marital vs Separate Property: It’s important to note that only marital property is subject to division during divorce proceedings. Marital property includes assets acquired during the course of a marriage while separate property refers to assets owned by one spouse before entering into marriage or received as an inheritance or gift during the course of the union.

Given these complexities surrounding property division in Oklahoma divorces, it’s essential for those seeking a divorce to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help ensure that their rights are protected throughout this process.

Equitable distribution of property

One of the most complex and contentious aspects of divorce proceedings is the division of marital property. In Oklahoma, property is divided according to the principle of equitable distribution, which means that assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally between both parties.

Marital Property: This includes all property acquired during the course of a marriage, such as real estate, vehicles, financial accounts or retirement benefits. Even if only one spouse earned income during the marriage, both parties have an equal claim to any assets accrued during this time.
Separate Property: Separate property refers to any assets owned by either spouse prior to getting married or received as a gift or inheritance during the marriage. These items typically remain with their original owner and are not subject to division.

Determining how these assets will be divided in a divorce can be complicated and may require legal assistance from an experienced family law attorney who can help ensure that each party receives a fair share based on their individual circumstances.

Marital property vs. separate property

One important aspect of divorce proceedings in Oklahoma is the division of property. Before dividing assets, it’s essential to determine which property belongs to each spouse.

Marital Property: This refers to any assets or debts that were acquired during the marriage by either spouse, regardless of whose name is on them. Examples include joint bank accounts, real estate purchased together and retirement benefits accrued during the marriage.
Separate Property: This includes any assets or debts that were acquired before the marriage or after separation. Separate property may also include inheritances or gifts given specifically to one spouse during the marriage.

Once marital and separate properties have been identified, they can be divided between spouses through negotiation or court order. Factors such as length of marriage, income levels and contributions made by each party will be considered when determining a fair division of assets and debts.

Spousal Support in Oklahoma

In some cases, spousal support may be temporary while in others it may be long-term or even permanent. It’s important to note that while spousal support can provide necessary financial assistance for individuals who may have been financially dependent on their former partner during the course of their marriage, it is not automatically granted in every divorce case.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Oklahoma and are unsure about whether you qualify for spousal support or have questions about how this process works, consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help clarify your options and ensure that your interests are protected throughout each stage of the legal proceedings.

Types of spousal support

When couples get divorced, one spouse may be ordered to provide financial support to the other. This is known as spousal support, or alimony. In Oklahoma, there are several types of spousal support that a court may award.

Temporary Spousal Support: Also known as pendente lite support, this type of spousal support is awarded during the divorce proceedings and ends once the divorce is finalized.
Rehabilitative Spousal Support: This type of spousal support is designed to help a spouse become self-supporting over time. It may be awarded if one spouse needs additional education or training to find employment.
Permanent Spousal Support: If one spouse will not be able to become self-supporting due to age or disability, permanent spousal support may be awarded.

The amount and duration of spousal support payments can vary widely depending on individual circumstances such as income levels and length of marriage. It’s important for those going through a divorce in Oklahoma to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide them through the process and ensure their rights are protected.

Factors considered in spousal support determination

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a monetary payment made from one spouse to the other after divorce. In Oklahoma, spousal support may be awarded on a temporary or permanent basis depending on various factors.

Duration of Marriage: The length of the marriage is one of the primary factors considered when determining whether spousal support should be awarded and for how long.
Income Disparity: If there is a significant difference in income between the two spouses, spousal support may be necessary to help maintain a similar standard of living for both parties post-divorce.
Employment History: If one spouse has been out of work or has not worked consistently during the marriage due to raising children or other reasons, they may require spousal support until they are able to become self-sufficient through employment.

Other factors that may come into play when determining spousal support include each party’s age and health status and any educational degrees earned during the marriage. Ultimately, it’s important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance specific to your individual circumstances when seeking spousal support in Oklahoma.

Duration of spousal support

In Oklahoma, spousal support (also known as alimony) is a payment made from one spouse to the other following a divorce. Spousal support can be ordered by the court or agreed upon by both parties and can last for varying periods of time depending on individual circumstances.

Temporary Support: This type of spousal support is ordered during the divorce proceedings and may continue until a final decision regarding permanent support is reached.
Pending Property Settlement: In some cases, spousal support may be ordered to ensure that both parties are able to maintain their standard of living while property division issues are being resolved.
Permanent Support: As its name suggests, permanent spousal support continues indefinitely and typically ends when either party dies or the receiving spouse remarries. The amount and duration of this type of spousal support will depend on factors such as each spouse’s earning capacity, age and health status at the time of the divorce decree.

It’s important to note that while there are different types of spousal support available in Oklahoma, each case is unique and will require individual attention from an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance throughout all stages of the divorce process.

Modifying Divorce Orders in Oklahoma

After a divorce is finalized, circumstances may change that require modification of the original orders. In Oklahoma, there are several steps individuals can take to modify divorce orders.

Petition for Modification: To modify an existing order related to child custody or support, spousal support or property division in Oklahoma, you must file a Petition for Modification with the court that issued the original order.
Show Cause Hearing: After filing the petition, a hearing will be scheduled where both parties can present their case regarding why they believe modifications are necessary.
Mediation: If both parties agree on certain aspects of the proposed modifications but disagree on others, mediation may be recommended as an alternative to going back to court.

If you are seeking a modification of your divorce orders in Oklahoma, it’s important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through each step of this process and ensure your interests are protected throughout.

Grounds for modifying divorce orders

If you believe that your current divorce order needs modification due to any of these reasons, it’s important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

Procedures for modifying divorce orders

Even after a divorce is finalized, circumstances may change that require modifications to be made to the original orders. In Oklahoma, there are specific procedures in place for modifying divorce orders.

Petition: To modify an existing order related to child custody, visitation or support payments, one must file a Petition to Modify with the court that issued the original order.
Evidence: The petitioner must provide evidence supporting their request for modification. This may include financial statements, medical records or other relevant documentation demonstrating changes in circumstances since the original order was issued.
Hearing: A hearing will be scheduled during which both parties will have an opportunity to present their case and any relevant evidence before a judge who will make a decision on whether or not to modify the existing order.

If you are seeking modifications of an existing divorce order in Oklahoma, it’s important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through this often complex process and help ensure your rights and interests are protected throughout each stage of proceedings.

Modification of child custody and support orders

If you are considering seeking a modification of an existing child custody or support order, it’s important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through this process and ensure that your interests are protected throughout each step of the way.

Modification of spousal support orders

In some cases, circumstances may change after the original spousal support order was issued. If this occurs, either party may request a modification to the order through the court system.

An increase in income for either spouse that would affect their ability to pay or need for spousal support
A decrease in income due to job loss or illness that would affect their ability to pay or need for spousal support
A change in custody arrangements

If you believe you have grounds for modifying an existing spousal support order, it’s important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through this process and help protect your rights during these often complex legal proceedings.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines and seeking the right legal assistance, individuals can make informed decisions about how to proceed with ending their marriage in Oklahoma while also prioritizing their emotional health and overall well-being during this difficult time.

Importance of hiring a divorce lawyer

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally charged and complex process, which is why it’s important to consider hiring a qualified family law attorney. Here are some reasons why:

Expertise: A seasoned divorce lawyer has in-depth knowledge of the legal system and can provide guidance on issues such as property division, child custody arrangements, spousal support payments and more.
Objectivity: Divorces can often lead to high tensions between spouses, making it difficult for them to make clear-headed decisions. An experienced divorce attorney can provide an objective perspective that helps ensure fair outcomes for both parties involved.
Paperwork: Filing for divorce requires filling out numerous forms and documents with the court. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate this paperwork and ensure all necessary information is included.

In addition to these benefits, working with a family law attorney during your Oklahoma divorce proceedings may also save you time, money and stress in the long run by helping you avoid common pitfalls associated with navigating the legal system alone.

Resources for divorce in Oklahoma

Additionally, counseling services may also be helpful during this time. Organizations such as the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative offer resources that aim to strengthen marriages and provide support throughout various stages of relationships, including divorce.

No matter what stage you’re at in your journey towards ending your marriage, it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. By taking advantage of these resources and seeking guidance from experienced professionals along the way, you can navigate this challenging time with confidence.

FAQ on ‘Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in Oklahoma’

What are the grounds for divorce in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds include incompatibility and living separate and apart without cohabitation for at least one year. Fault grounds include abandonment, adultery, impotence, fraud, imprisonment, and cruelty.

What is the process for filing for divorce in Oklahoma?

The process begins with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the district court in the county where either spouse resides. The other spouse is served with a copy of the petition and has 20 days to respond. If there are contested issues such as property division or child custody, negotiations or mediation may be required before a final decree of dissolution can be issued.

How long does it take to get divorced in Oklahoma?

The length of time it takes to get divorced varies depending on how quickly each step of the process is completed and whether any issues are contested. Uncontested divorces typically take around 10-12 weeks from start to finish, while contested divorces can take several months or even years.

Do I need an attorney to file for divorce in Oklahoma?

No, you do not need an attorney to file for divorce in Oklahoma. However, it is highly recommended that you seek legal advice before proceeding as there may be complex legal issues involved such as property division and child custody.