Helping Spouses Find a Way Forward After Their Marriage Ends

Divorce can be one of the most emotionally, mentally and financially draining events you can endure. However, coming out of it and living a good life is still possible.

At Green Country Law Group, we’ve helped countless Oklahomans navigate the divorce process and advocated for their best interests. We are committed to advancing your goals and seeking the outcomes you desire in your divorce so you can move on confidently and begin the next chapter of your life.

Does it Matter Who Files for Divorce First in Oklahoma?

It often depends. However, in many cases, the spouse who files the divorce paperwork typically presents the request for divorce to the other. In some cases, this can give the person who filed the paperwork (the petitioner) an advantage during the divorce process. For example, the spouse who petitions for divorce can have more control over when and where divorce proceedings occur.

How Do I File For Divorce in Oklahoma?

If you’re looking to file for divorce in the Sooner State, here is a breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Filing the Petition

To file for divorce in Oklahoma, you must submit the appropriate divorce paperwork to a county clerk. In addition to the divorce paperwork, you must also submit other documents. Those include:

• Domestic Relations Cover Sheets
• Marital Settlement Agreements
• Automatic Temporary Injunction Notices
• Financial Affidavits

Your circumstances can determine what paperwork you need to submit. Our divorce lawyers can help you determine which ones you need for your proceedings.

Step 2: Informing Your Spouse

This can be one of the most challenging parts of initiating a divorce. Your spouse may have been anticipating these papers for a while or maybe in complete shock. A neutral third party will typically serve your spouse the divorce papers in person either at your spouse’s home, workplace or another location they frequent.

Step 3: Determining How to Handle the Divorce

There are a few options for determining how you will handle your divorce. In Oklahoma, spouses either engage in:

• Contested divorce: You may find yourself in a contested divorce if you and your spouse cannot agree on ending your marriage. In a contested divorce, both parties have their own attorneys and handle their disagreements in court, where a judge can determine the resolution of specific issues based on what they believe is fair.
• Uncontested divorce: You may find yourself in an uncontested divorce if you and your spouse can agree on how to end your marriage. However, an uncontested divorce can quickly become contested if spouses agree on certain aspects of their divorce but not others. For example, spouses may engage in an uncontested divorce if they have no issues negotiating property division. However, they could turn contested if they cannot agree on a parenting plan or child custody and visitation arrangements.

Our attorneys can help through every step of the filing process. Call our office at 918-456-6113 to speak with one of our divorce attorneys today.

What Are the Grounds For Divorce in Oklahoma?

While you can get a divorce for any reason in Oklahoma, there are still fault-based grounds for obtaining a divorce; those can include:

• Adultery
• Abandonment
• Neglect of marital obligations
• Impotence
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• Domestic violence/abuse
• Felony convictions
• Fraudulent marital agreement

We can help you initiate and navigate your Oklahoma divorce whether you have grounds for divorce or not.

How Long Does it Take to Finalize a Divorce in Oklahoma?

This can depend on a lot of factors. Finalizing their divorce could take as little as ten days for some couples. For others, it can take them months or even years to complete the process, especially if they have children.

When Will a Tribal Court Handle Your Oklahoma Divorce?

If you live on a tribal land and get a divorce, you will likely navigate your divorce in a tribal court, as these courts often have jurisdiction over civil affairs in Oklahoma.

Work With One of Our Oklahoma Divorce Lawyers Today

Divorce can be challenging. However, when you have experienced legal counsel, you can confidently navigate the process. Call 918-456-6113 or email us to schedule an initial consultation today.