I. Introduction
Divorce is a difficult and emotionally challenging process that can be financially burdensome. If you are considering getting a divorce in Oklahoma, you may be wondering how much it will cost and what the process entails. In this post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the cost of divorce in Oklahoma, as well as answer some of the most asked questions about divorce in the state.
We will cover topics such as the legal requirements for divorce, the timeline for getting a divorce, the cost of a simple divorce in Oklahoma, and more. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of what to expect and how to manage the costs associated with a divorce in Oklahoma.
Resources: Facing Divorce in Oklahoma
Our team of Your Fierce Advocates® at Cannon & Associates is led by out founder, John Cannon. We are privileged to represent clients facing divorce in Oklahoma. You can find resources on our YouTube page as well as other pages of our website. This article is intended to answer father’s most common questions, if they are facing divorce or a custody battle in Oklahoma.
II. How much does a divorce cost in Oklahoma?
Getting a divorce can be a costly process, and the exact cost will depend on several factors, such as whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, the complexity of the case, and the attorney’s fees. In Oklahoma, the average cost of a divorce can range from $7,500 to $15,000 for a contested divorce, while an uncontested divorce can cost between $1,500 and $2,500.
The costs associated with getting a divorce in Oklahoma can include attorney fees, court costs, and other expenses, such as filing fees, mediation fees, and expert witness fees. The attorney’s fees alone can range from $250 to $400 per hour, depending on the complexity of the case and the experience of the attorney.
It is important to note that the cost of a divorce can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, a divorce that involves child custody and support issues, property division, and spousal support can be more expensive than a divorce where the parties agree on most of the issues. It is also important to work with an experienced Oklahoma City divorce attorney who can help you navigate the process and manage the costs associated with your case.
In general, an uncontested divorce will be less expensive than a contested divorce, as there are fewer issues to be resolved, and the parties can reach an agreement outside of court. However, even in an uncontested divorce, it is important to work with an attorney to ensure that your rights and interests are protected.
III. What is required to get a divorce in Oklahoma?
Before you can file for divorce in Oklahoma, you must meet certain legal requirements. First, either you or your spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months prior to filing for divorce. Second, you must have grounds for divorce, which can include incompatibility, adultery, abandonment, imprisonment, or cruelty.
To file for divorce in Oklahoma, you will need to complete a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage form and file it with the court in the county where either you or your spouse lives. You will also need to pay a filing fee, which can vary depending on the county.
Once you have filed the petition, you will need to serve your spouse with a copy of the petition and a summons. This can be done by a process server or by certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse will then have a certain amount of time to respond to the petition.
If your spouse does not respond, the court may enter a default judgment in your favor. If your spouse does respond, the parties will need to work together to resolve any issues related to child custody, property division, and spousal support. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the case may go to trial.
It is important to note that the divorce process in Oklahoma can be complex and time-consuming, and it is often helpful to work with an experienced Oklahoma City divorce attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your rights and interests are protected.
IV. Does Oklahoma require separation before divorce?
Unlike some other states, Oklahoma does not have a formal requirement for a period of separation before filing for divorce. However, the state does have a waiting period of 90 days before a divorce can be finalized.
During this 90-day waiting period, the parties may work to resolve any issues related to child custody, property division, and spousal support. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the case may go to trial.
While there is no requirement for a period of separation, some couples may choose to live apart for a period of time before filing for divorce. This can be helpful in determining whether reconciliation is possible or whether divorce is the best option for both parties.
It is important to note that every divorce case is unique, and there may be specific circumstances in which a period of separation may be advisable. An experienced Oklahoma City divorce attorney can help you understand your options and guide you through the divorce process.
V. What is a no-fault divorce in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, a no-fault divorce is a type of divorce in which neither party is required to prove fault or wrongdoing on the part of the other party. Instead, either party may file for divorce simply because the marriage is irretrievably broken.
A no-fault divorce can be quicker and less expensive than a fault-based divorce, as there is no need for a trial to determine fault or wrongdoing. It can also be less contentious, as both parties may be able to work together to resolve issues related to child custody, property division, and spousal support.
However, it is important to note that a no-fault divorce does not necessarily mean that both parties agree on all issues related to the divorce. There may still be disputes that require the assistance of a divorce attorney or the court.
Overall, a no-fault divorce can be a good option for couples who are able to work together to end their marriage in a relatively amicable way. An experienced Oklahoma City divorce lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the divorce process.
VI. How long does it take to get a divorce in Oklahoma?
The length of time it takes to get a divorce in Oklahoma can vary depending on a number of factors, such as whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, the complexity of the issues involved, and the court’s caseload.
In Oklahoma, there is a mandatory waiting period of 90 days after the filing of a divorce petition before a divorce can be finalized. This waiting period can be waived in certain circumstances, such as when there is an emergency or both parties agree to waive the waiting period.
In addition to the waiting period, the timeline for getting a divorce in Oklahoma can be affected by other factors such as the need to gather financial documents, negotiate a settlement agreement, and attend court hearings.
An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all issues related to the divorce, can typically be finalized more quickly than a contested divorce, which can involve a trial and additional court appearances. A divorce attorney can help you understand the timeline for your particular case and guide you through the process to ensure that your rights are protected.
Overall, the length of time it takes to get a divorce in Oklahoma can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, but an experienced divorce lawyer can help you navigate the process as efficiently as possible.
VII. How much is a simple divorce in Oklahoma?
The cost of a divorce in Oklahoma can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of your case. A simple divorce, where both parties agree on all issues related to the divorce, can be less expensive than a contested divorce that requires more time and effort.
The cost of a simple divorce in Oklahoma typically includes attorney fees and court costs. The average cost of an uncontested divorce in Oklahoma is around $1,500 to $3,000. This cost can vary depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the specific fees charged by your divorce attorney.
In addition to attorney fees and court costs, there may be other expenses associated with a simple divorce in Oklahoma, such as the cost of filing fees, service fees, and other related expenses.
It’s important to note that while a simple divorce may be less expensive than a contested divorce, it’s still important to work with an experienced divorce attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that your divorce agreement is fair and equitable.
Overall, the cost of a simple divorce in Oklahoma can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, but working with an experienced divorce attorney can help you understand the costs involved and navigate the process as efficiently as possible.
VIII. Who gets the house in Oklahoma divorce?
When it comes to property division in Oklahoma divorce cases, the court uses the principle of “equitable distribution.” This means that marital property is divided in a way that is fair, but not necessarily equal.
In terms of the family home, the court will consider various factors when making a decision on who gets the house. These factors can include:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and financial resources
- The contributions of each spouse to the acquisition of the marital property
- The value of the marital property
- The needs of each spouse, including their need for a home
If the house is determined to be marital property, it will be subject to division in the divorce. In some cases, one spouse may be awarded the house and the other spouse may receive other assets of equal value. In other cases, the house may be sold and the proceeds divided between the spouses.
It’s important to note that if the house is considered separate property, it will not be subject to division in the divorce. Separate property is property that was owned by one spouse before the marriage or was acquired by one spouse during the marriage through inheritance or gift.
IX. What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Oklahoma?
In a divorce in Oklahoma, the court considers several factors to determine what each spouse is entitled to receive. These factors include the duration of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, the income and earning capacity of each spouse, and the contributions of each spouse to the marriage.
When it comes to property division, Oklahoma is an “equitable distribution” state, which means that the court aims to divide marital property fairly but not necessarily equally. Marital property includes any property acquired during the marriage, such as real estate, cars, bank accounts, and retirement accounts. Separate property, which is property acquired before the marriage or through inheritance, is not subject to division in a divorce.
In terms of alimony, Oklahoma allows for both temporary and permanent spousal support. The court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the earning capacity of each spouse when determining whether to award alimony and how much.
It’s worth noting that the term “wife” in this context is not limited to only female spouses. The court’s decision on property division and spousal support is based on the specific circumstances of each individual case and is not determined by gender.
X. What is the easiest way to get a divorce in Oklahoma?
If you and your spouse are able to agree on the terms of your divorce, the easiest way to get a divorce in Oklahoma is through an uncontested divorce. This means that you and your spouse have reached an agreement on issues such as property division, child custody, and spousal support, and you are able to file a joint petition for divorce.
Another option for getting a divorce in Oklahoma is through mediation. In mediation, you and your spouse work with a neutral third-party mediator to negotiate the terms of your divorce. This can be a less expensive and less contentious option than going to court, but it may not be the best choice for couples with high-conflict issues.
It’s important to note that the easiest way to get a divorce may not always be the best choice for your particular situation. Consulting with an experienced Oklahoma City divorce attorney can help you understand your options and make an informed decision about how to proceed with your divorce.
XI. How can I get a divorce without losing money?
Divorce can be a costly and emotionally draining process. However, there are steps you can take to minimize your expenses and get through the divorce process without losing too much money. Here are some tips:
- Consider an uncontested divorce: An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree to all terms of the divorce, such as property division and child custody. This can save you a lot of money in legal fees and court costs.
- Choose the right attorney: While it may be tempting to hire the most expensive divorce attorney, it is not always necessary. Look for an attorney who is experienced in divorce law and who charges reasonable fees. You can also consider hiring a mediator instead of an attorney to help you negotiate the terms of your divorce.
- Be prepared: Being organized and prepared for meetings with your attorney or mediator can save you time and money. Make a list of questions or concerns you have, gather all necessary financial documents, and be ready to discuss your goals and priorities.
- Don’t fight over everything: Remember that not every issue in a divorce is worth fighting over. Try to prioritize what is most important to you and be willing to compromise on less important issues.
- Consider alternative dispute resolution: Mediation, collaborative law, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution can be a cost-effective way to resolve issues in your divorce. These processes can be less adversarial and can help you reach an agreement without going to court.
By following these tips, you can help minimize the costs of your divorce in Oklahoma and avoid losing too much money in the process.
Conclusion: How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Oklahoma?
In conclusion, getting a divorce in Oklahoma can be a costly and time-consuming process. However, by understanding the legal requirements, exploring your options for alternative dispute resolution, and being mindful of expenses, you can manage the process more effectively. Keep in mind that the cost of divorce can vary widely based on a range of factors, including the complexity of the case and the approach taken to resolve disputes. By working with an experienced divorce attorney, you can navigate the process with greater confidence and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
CONTACT CANNON & ASSOCIATES TODAY – YOUR FIERCE ADVOCATES®
If you are facing divorce in Oklahoma, it is important to work with an experienced Oklahoma City divorce attorney. When you take a strategic approach to your case, you increase your chances of obtaining the best outcome for you and your interests.
Your Fierce Advocates® at Cannon & Associates are dedicated to answering your questions and preparing you for whatever lies ahead in your Oklahoma divorce case. We take pride in assisting clients through the difficult road of divorce to their Better Future.
CALL NOW 405-591-3935 for your free confidential case strategy session to help you understand your options in your Oklahoma divorce case.