Getting Divorced in Oklahoma?
It’s a turbulent time.
We’ll be the rock you can lean on.
Whether you’re considering divorce or have been served papers, We’re here to guide you every step of the way
You know it’s going to impact your finances.
We’ll help to mediate the process and ensure you receive a fair division of assets if you choose to proceed.
You just want to move on with your life, not spend months in divorce proceedings.
We’ll work closely with you to minimize the time it takes to get your divorce finalized.
You don’t know if you can afford a good lawyer.
We understand budget concerns are critical. While every case is unique, our transparent fee structures break down how your funds are utilized.
Your divorce doesn’t need to be complicated. Call us at 405-591-3935.
WHY CANNON & ASSOCIATES?
KEPT ME UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE CASE
“I was referred to Cannon & Associates after my previous divorce attorney left my case in a financial bind. I was skeptical [about hiring] such a large law firm. However, Ann Zachariah was assigned to my case, and she could not have done a better job. She kept me updated throughout the case and was able to resolve all the issues with the best possible outcome.”
-Heath
MY ABSOLUTE ROCK THROUGHOUT THESE PROCEEDINGS
“Paralegal Lisa, has been my absolute rock throughout these proceedings. Lisa’s unique level of empathy and understanding has been what has kept me grounded and guided during turbulent times. She is very proactive in getting things handled and is always available to answer any questions or concerns I have.”
– Amy
Ready to take the next step? Here’s what you need to know:
1. Book a free case strategy session
2. Make your decision
3. Review your assets
STEP 1: BOOK A FREE CASE STRATEGY SESSION
This can be an in-person or phone consultation, whichever works for you.
During this session:
- We’ll listen to understand your unique circumstances and tailor our approach to your specific needs and goals.
- You’ll understand the Oklahoma divorce process and get answers to all your questions.
- We’ll explain complex legal concepts in relatable terms, so you never feel confused.
- You’ll get a clear understanding of the legal options available to you in your divorce case.
- We’ll come up with a custom plan to get you the best result possible.
- You’ll be under no obligation and free to explore your options at your own pace.
- We’ll show you how we safeguard your financial interests and guide you toward achieving your desired outcomes in the divorce settlement.
STEP 2: MAKE YOUR DECISION
Proceed confidently with your divorce process:
- Once you feel comfortable and informed, you can decide if you’d like to move forward with our representation.
- If you choose to retain us, we’ll provide a clear fee agreement outlining the costs associated with your case.
STEP 3: REVIEW YOUR FINANCIALS
To ensure a smooth start to your case, we’ll need some basic information from you.
This might include:
- Marital assets: This includes things like your house, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and any valuable personal property.
- Documentation of your assets: This could be titles, deeds, account statements, or any other documents proving ownership.
- Debts: Compile a list of all your shared debts, including credit cards, mortgages, student loans, etc., along with the outstanding balances.
- Marital documents: marriage certificate, prenuptial agreement (if applicable).
- Other relevant documents: tax returns and child custody documents (if applicable).
We’ll provide a detailed list of documents to streamline the process.
Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through every step and answer any questions you have about gathering information.
Please know that we treat every case with confidentiality. We understand the sensitivity of your situation and respect your privacy.
TOP 3 REASONS TO CHOOSE US FOR YOUR CASE
1. Combined 100+ Years of Experience:
Our team navigates even the most complex cases with confidence. We’ve seen it all and know how to apply our knowledge to achieve your specific goals.
2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work:
Unlike most firms, we combine the attention of a dedicated lead attorney with the collective wisdom of our entire team. During our weekly meetings, we ensure no detail is overlooked.
3. Tailored Strategies & Creative Solutions:
Every family is different, so there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. By understanding your values, priorities, and goals, we craft a personalized strategy to maximize your chances of success.
KNOWLEDGE, PROFESSIONALISM & PASSION
“Cannon & Associates have been an exceptional law firm to work with throughout my highly contentious divorce proceedings. John Cannon and Steven Holden’s knowledge of family law, professionalism, and passion to advocate for their clients is remarkable!!”
-Amy
FAQs
1. How long will a divorce take in Oklahoma?
Every case is different, but we strive for efficiency to minimize the timeline of the process. The average divorce can take anywhere from 6-18 months. Without children as quickly as 10-30 days. Uncontested divorces, where both spouses agree on everything, are usually finalized faster than contested divorces that require court hearings.
2. How are assets divided in an Oklahoma divorce?
Oklahoma follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital property fairly, not necessarily equally.
Some of the factors considered by the court are the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contribution (financial and non-financial), the age and health of each spouse, the income and earning capacity of each spouse, and the needs of any children.
3. Does Oklahoma recognize divorces from another state?
Yes, the Full Faith and Credit Clause requires the recognition of foreign divorces in Oklahoma.
To read more about divorce, check out our blog:
How does Oklahoma Handle the Division of Assets in a Divorce?
What is the Difference between a Contested and Uncontested Divorce in Oklahoma?
Defining the Best Interest of a Child in a Divorce Case
When two people marry they plan to stay together for the rest of their lives, however, sometimes life happens and sometimes marriages do not adapt or people refuse to change and divorce is the answer. Our team of Your Fierce Advocates® at Cannon & Associates are dedicated Oklahoma City divorce lawyers who are here to first and foremost answer your questions and address your concerns about the divorce process and what your future holds beyond divorce in Oklahoma.
Our owner and founder, John Cannon is an Army combat veteran and the child of divorce of himself. Many members of our team have seen first-hand the right and the wrong way to go about getting divorced and we want to help as many families as possible complete divorce as peacefully as possible and without involving the children. Our entire team of OKC divorce attorneys, paralegals, and support staff know what you are facing and have walked alongside clients in your shoes. We will do everything in our power to make the process as stress-free as possible for you. Until we get the chance to meet, we encourage you to take advantage of the hundreds of free resources on our website and our YouTube channel. Additionally, our founder published Informed Divorce: Facing the Future with a Plan, which is a comprehensive guide to divorce in Oklahoma from the experience of our entire team. You may ORDER IT NOW ON AMAZON or request a FREE COPY from our office by calling 405-591-3935, which we will mail to you or you may pick up discretely.
Informed Divorce: Facing the Future with a Plan
Our book, Informed Divorce: Facing the Future with a Plan, is your ultimate guide to the journey through divorce in Oklahoma. The fear of the unknown of divorce, child custody, retirement, and other obstacles that are on the road through divorce make this process difficult for many Oklahomans. However, we want you to know you are not alone. Our OKC divorce lawyers and our entire team want you to have a free copy of our book, which you may request in the office, or order on Amazon to address your most pressing questions about divorce in Oklahoma.
Knowledge is power and we hope you will take us up on our offer to meet with you and answer your questions in a risk-free confidential divorce planning session. However, until or if you are not ready, we encourage you to pick up a copy of Informed Divorce from our office. It is written with you in mind and we sincerely hope it makes the process of facing divorce in Oklahoma less frightening and that you are more prepared after reading it.
Informed Divorce available on Amazon If you are ready to have your questions answered and address your fears about divorce in Oklahoma, CALL NOW at (405) 591-3935. We’re available 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week to schedule a Free Case Planning Session to understand your options and rights in your Oklahoma divorce
Visitation Schedules in Oklahoma
Our team of Oklahoma City divorce attorneys would be honored to meet with you and answer your questions about child custody and visitation in Oklahoma. However, it is important to know that most visitation schedules or custody arrangements in Oklahoma are standardized based on research and child psychology about the importance of regular contact and relationships with both parents following divorce. The following links are the standard visitation schedules for Oklahoma, Canadian, Cleveland, and Logan County. Our OKC divorce lawyers hope reviewing this information is helpful to you in preparing to face divorce in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma County Visitation Schedule
Canadian County Visitation Schedule
Cleveland County Visitation Schedule
Logan County Visitation Schedule
OKLAHOMA CITY DIVORCE ATTORNEYS
Divorce in Oklahoma is, in the majority of cases, a messy affair, especially without representation. Even when you seek the help of a skilled and reputable family law attorney, divorces can still feel like you are fighting your own personal war against your spouse.
This is understandable, as both parties want the best for themselves and for their children, and this means communication can break down fast, tempers can fray and amicable discussions become impossible.
This is where an Oklahoma divorce attorney earns their salt through the use of negotiation and mediation between the parties involved.
It is exceptionally rare that both parties are in agreement with their terms before the divorce proceedings. Most of the time there are arguments over how to allocate and divide the material estate, who gets child custody, and whether or not one spouse is entitled to spousal support or child support. This can lead to frustration and, ultimately, an impasse that prevents the proceedings from moving forward.
The law that governs Oklahoma divorce is also complicated, with simple and small mistakes ending up costing you time and money.
Thankfully, you don’t have to navigate the complex Oklahoma City divorce legal system alone.
Contact us today at 405-591-3935 and arrange a free consultation.
How Do I Find The Right Oklahoma City Divorce Attorney?
The majority of clients who are looking for the right divorce attorney in Oklahoma City have never needed the help of a lawyer before. This can make it really difficult to narrow down choices, leading people to feel overwhelmed and unsure. Especially when you are looking for someone to help resolve complex issues involving your family. The first step is finding a divorce lawyer that you trust.
Every Oklahoma divorce law firm that you speak to will probably claim that they are the best around, which makes it extremely hard to choose.
To begin with, we recommend that you only use a law firm that offers a free consultation and case evaluation as our Oklahoma City divorce lawyers do here at Cannon & Associates.
Besides that, here is the kind of things we think you should look for:
Experience and Proven Track Record
The first thing to consider when you are looking at a potential Oklahoma divorce attorney should always be how good they are at their job. This means you should be looking for recommendations and past case wins.
Any divorce law firm in Oklahoma City, OK should be more than happy to show you their past wins and glowing recommendations from their clients, if they hesitate or refuse this, look elsewhere.
Accessibility
A good Oklahoma divorce lawyer is always going to have a full caseload on their hands. This means they are going to be extremely busy during their working hours. Unfortunately, this means sometimes they won’t answer their phone or reply instantly.
A great divorce attorney in Oklahoma will still make sure that they respond in a timely manner. This doesn’t mean you will have access whenever you want, but you should never feel like you are waiting around for days on end for responses to your queries.
Comfortable Relationship
Oklahoma divorce attorneys are humans, too and this means they have their own personalities and quirks.
As you are going to be spending a lot of time on the phone and in meetings with this individual, make sure that you are comfortable talking to them. They should be able to advise you, tell you when you are making a bad decision, and still be able to remain compassionate.
If you feel uncomfortable around them, listen to your gut and go elsewhere.
Questions to Ask a Potential Divorce Lawyer in Oklahoma City
In order to be as confident as possible in your decision, here are some great questions that you can ask your attorney:
- Who is your typical client?
- What is your legal specialization?
- What is your level of experience?
- Have you dealt with similar cases to mine in court?
- How much will this cost, and how will I pay?
- Have you dealt with cases similar to mine?
- When can I expect communication?
- Can you show me testimonials from your previous clients?
Why Should I Hire an Oklahoma Divorce Attorney?
It doesn’t matter how you came to the decision, divorce is a serious matter and will always involve a lot of emotion. This emotion can easily become a bad thing, one that influences your decisions, making it more difficult for everyone involved when you need to make fair arrangements between you and your spouse.
When you seek representation, you are agreeing to aid from a party that can stand back and make unbiased decisions from a place of clarity and experience. They know what is fair and reasonable and will be able to help you and your spouse come to an arrangement that you both find fair and reasonable.
Read more here about why we recommend being the first to file for divorce.
Paperwork
Your Oklahoma City divorce lawyers will also be able to take over the hard boring work that comes alongside divorce, in particular, the paperwork and negotiations between you and your spouse.
Any family law matter in Oklahoma City will have a lot of paperwork that needs to be filed correctly and on time in order for your divorce to proceed. It also looks good to the judge if your paperwork is always on time and in order.
Legal Assistance & Knowledge
Another task that your attorney will be responsible for is to explain to you your legal rights and options in a way that is easy to understand.
Working with an experienced divorce lawyer in Oklahoma City can make the process simpler and much more manageable.
Cannon & Associates Practice Areas
Here at Cannon & Associates, we cover a wide range of family law cases as well as Oklahoma divorces, such as:
Modification of Court Orders
When the court has issued an order in relation to custody agreements, alimony, child support, or spousal support, the orders aren’t forever set in stone. Under the right circumstances and with a strong enough argument, the judge may make amendments.
One reason why the judge might change the order is if your children are in danger with a spouse who has custody or if a spouse has become injured or disabled and can no longer afford to pay spousal support.
That being said, it can be really difficult to get a modification of a custody order without an extremely good cause. Your best chance will be to formulate an argument with your attorney before presenting it to the judge.
Child Support Agreements
When you and your partner enter into a marriage, you become a partnership and this means that you take joint responsibility for any children you have and their needs. As a partnership, you will ensure that your child is fed, clothed, and educated, as well as loved.
This often takes the form of one spouse leaving their career in order to look after the children and one spouse continuing to work so that they can provide a steady income.
After a divorce, you are both still responsible for the child’s needs, and this means that the spouse who gets custody, may need financial support from the other spouse.
In order to come to an arrangement that is fair and reasonable, you should speak to your Oklahoma divorce attorney. They will have experience in calculating a figure that is fair, and this will prevent you from having to let the judge decide.
High-Asset Divorce Lawyer in Oklahoma City and Legal Separation
If either you, your partner, or both you and your partner have a high net worth, you are going to need a skilled high-asset divorce lawyer in Oklahoma to help you divide and sort through your assets.
Property that has been gifted, long-term investments in stocks and bonds, and joint business ventures can take a lot of work to sort through, and your divorce lawyers may need to seek help from external experts.
Child Custody Disputes
When both spouses love and cherish their kids, and both parties want custody, the discussions can quickly become nasty. Divorcing couples often find it extremely difficult to come to an amicable agreement here alone.
This is where your child custody attorneys will prove indispensable. They will use their skills and experience in negotiation and mediation to help you both address the issue from a place of calm.
They will remind you that the most important thing here is your children, not your emotions. You need to put their well-being above anything else.
In Oklahoma divorce cases like this, your family law firm will prioritize your children.
Mothers’ and Fathers’ Rights
Both the mother and the father have certain rights in the state of Oklahoma. These rights ensure that neither the mother nor the father has any advantage due to their gender.
Both parents have equal rights in terms of their children, which means it will be other factors that the judge uses to decide who gets custody.
The only exception to this is if either parent has a history of or is currently using drugs or is known to be violent and abusive.
Enforcement
If the courts have issued an order in regard to child support, alimony, custody arrangements, or visitation, these orders have to be respected and followed by all of the parties involved.
One thing that the courts frown upon, in particular, is something called alienation. Alienation is when one parent does things that influence their children’s opinions of the other parent. This may be through rewarding negative attitudes towards the other parent or restricting the time that they can see them.
If your ex is violating their orders by not paying child support or alimony, or they are stopping you from seeing your kids, the law is on your side in Oklahoma County.
The first port of call should be to speak to your law firm of choice and ask them to speak to your ex-spouse. If they continue to abuse their orders, your Oklahoma City divorce attorney will be able to seek help from the courts who may step in to help.
Sometimes, when the court sees that your ex is violating their orders, it can work in your favor. If they continue to ignore the orders, the court may change them to restrict your spouse even further
Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, there has been an increase in domestic violence cases during the pandemic.
We don’t stand for domestic abuse, and we want you to know that if you are in an unsafe situation and you need help, you can reach out to us here at Cannon & Associates.
We will file an injunction against your violent spouse; this will prevent them from seeing you or your kids and will give you a place of safety to file your divorce.
Please don’t hesitate; if you do not know how or what to do, call us today, and we can step in immediately to protect you and your children
On the reverse side of the coin, there has also been an increase in domestic violence allegations. In rare cases, this may be a tactic to influence the court’s decisions against a spouse.
We have experience in fighting and dealing with these claims. Our Oklahoma City divorce lawyers will be able to help you fight this allegation and discredit your spouse in the eyes of the court in the process.
Spousal Support
In Oklahoma City, it is often crucial for people who are coming out of legal separation to seek spousal support. This is in place to help people who have given up their jobs to look after the kids.
The best way to seek spousal support is through a compelling argument. Speak to your Oklahoma divorce lawyers, and they will be able to help you present your case.
Contested Divorce
As divorce attorneys in Oklahoma, we see a lot of spiteful and hateful divorces. In fact, it is extremely rare that we see a divorce with two amicable parties that agree on their divorce terms.
After spending a long time married, it can mean your lives are extremely tangled. This can make it a hard task to divide property and agree on custody and spousal support arrangements.
Contested divorces that take a long time to resolve can end up costing you a lot of money. The judge and the court will not settle your divorce until your terms are agreed upon.
This means eventually, you and your ex are going to have to settle on your divorce terms, or you are going to end up racking up huge legal bills.
A skilled Oklahoma City divorce lawyer will ensure that you have a safe and calm space in which to negotiate with your spouse. They will help you put forward arguments that are reasonable and fair. They will be harder to argue with and should be easier to agree upon.
Uncontested Divorce
Divorce proceedings can go on for quite some time, often resulting in huge expenses, serious stress, and a tarnished relationship. When a couple is unable to agree on assets and property division, as well as child support and child custody issues, the divorce can drag on much longer.
However, if divorcing spouses are able to come to a resolution prior to initiating the divorce process, they can have what is known as an uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorce in Oklahoma is a way for spouses to legally separate from each other in a time period much quicker than traditional divorce. This allows both spouses to avoid litigating in court and to move on with their lives quickly and seamlessly.
If you and your partner are seeking to separate amicably and want to avoid traditional divorce proceedings, you should contact our law office to speak about an uncontested divorce. Like all family law matters, an uncontested divorce can also be quite complex, which is why we recommend that you speak with experienced Oklahoma divorce attorneys about your case.
At Cannon & Associates, we have a team of divorce attorneys who can advise you on your best options. Our attorneys are highly experienced in all areas of Oklahoma family law and we are dedicated to ensuring that you get the best results possible from your separation. We offer a free consultation for you to come in and chat with our lawyers about your case.
Call us today at 405-591-3935 to schedule a free consultation.
What is Uncontested Divorce in Oklahoma County?
Uncontested divorce, or “waiver divorce” is divorce without litigation. During a traditional divorce or a contested divorce, parties would bring motions forward to the court regarding asset and property division, spousal support, child support, and child custody issues. Their lawyers would then argue on their behalf to ensure that their needs were met and the judge would decide on a settlement.
In an uncontested divorce, however, the divorcing spouses reach an agreement on the division of assets and on child support and custody matters amongst themselves. Then, when they approach the court to begin divorce proceedings, they will have already decided on the important matters. They can then proceed through the uncontested divorce process far quicker than a traditional divorce.
Is This Process Easier?
Although this process seems a lot easier, it is worth noting that even uncontested divorces are quite complex in Oklahoma city, and it is important that you seek help from an experienced divorce attorney. The uncontested divorce process itself is much quicker. However, this is only if you have an experienced family law attorney who knows how to navigate the system.
Even if you are happy with the agreement that you and your ex-spouse have come to, it is wise to have a neutral third party come in and examine the decisions you have made. This way, you can ensure that your needs and wants are being respected and that you don’t agree to something that you will regret later down the line.
Benefits of Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce can be a much easier option for spouses that are able to agree on important matters, particularly if there are children involved. A contested divorce can often drag on for a long time, resulting in huge costs, exhaustion, and difficulty for children. Some benefits of uncontested divorce in Oklahoma City include:
- Cheaper – If you are in and out of court because you and your spouse can not agree on important matters, you will have to pay a lot more money for legal fees and court costs. The cost of uncontested divorce is often much less because the process is far quicker, and there is no requirement to go in and out of court.
- Easier for children – If there are children involved in the separation, the process of an uncontested divorce can be much easier on them. Children, particularly minors, are often negatively impacted by the divorce of their parents, and this is made worse when there is a court involved. A waiver divorce can help minimize the impact that a divorce has on any children involved.
- Faster – Because the dissolution of the marriage does not have to be dragged through court, the process of an uncontested divorce is much quicker. The two parties do not have to argue over every small detail, and as such, the divorce decree can pass through quickly.
- Less conflict – Many people think that divorces will inevitably cause conflict within a family or between two spouses. However, this does not have to be the case. If two parties can agree on important matters amicably, they can dissolve their marriage seamlessly by having an uncontested divorce without arguments or conflict.
- More privacy – With traditional divorce in Oklahoma, a lot of the information goes on public record, which makes maintaining privacy quite difficult. With an uncontested divorce, less information is brought to the court, and most matters are decided beforehand, meaning that less information can be made public.
Process of Uncontested Divorce in Oklahoma City
Before you seek to initiate an uncontested divorce in Oklahoma City, it is important that you consult with a lawyer that is experienced in family law matters. At Cannon & Associates, we have a team of strong advocates who will ensure that your divorce process is handled smoothly and that you and your family can move on from this as soon as possible.
The process of uncontested divorce in Oklahoma City typically goes as follows:
1. Petition for dissolution of marriage
A divorce is first initiated when the parties file a petition for the dissolution of their marriage or a divorce. This petition should detail the agreements that the parties have made together regarding all issues related to their divorce. It is required that at least one of the parties involved has lived in Oklahoma for the past 6 months, and a minimum of 30 days in the county in which the petition was submitted, e.g. Tulsa County or Canadian County.
2. Waiver of summons and entry of appearance
As uncontested divorce is a ‘waiver divorce,’ the other spouse must waive the service of process, which is essentially the right to be properly notified that your spouse has issued you a divorce. This is done by signing the waiver of summons pleading and returning it to your spouse’s attorney.
3. Decree of dissolution of marriage
A divorce decree should then be submitted to the judge presiding over the case, detailing the terms of your divorce, including division of all martial property, division of all martial debts, identification and division of all separate property, terms of spousal support, and identification and division of all individual debts.
You must also include details of a joint custody plan, child support calculation, and more if there are minor children involved. This decree is very important, and it must be legally sufficient to submit to the judge, which is why it is essential that you seek help from an experienced Oklahoma City divorce attorney when writing up this decree.
4. Hearing
Once the petition has been submitted, you or your spouse have signed the waiver and entry of appearance, and the decree has been given to the judge, a hearing will be scheduled for the judge to make a final decision on your case.
The process of uncontested divorce in Oklahoma City can be quite complex without some legal guidance. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged that you contact one of the attorneys from our law office. We can guide you through this difficult time and ensure that your uncontested divorce passes through the court smoothly.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Oklahoma City?
Uncontested divorce in Oklahoma can be a very speedy process. Provided that there are no minor children involved, the Oklahoma divorce court can grant a final order after just 10 days of the initial divorce papers being submitted. If you are seeking a clean split from your ex-spouse, and you are able to agree on all important matters with them, an uncontested or waiver divorce is the best option for you.
If you have minor children, the court will have to wait a minimum of 90 days before granting a final order on your divorce. However, this period can be shortened if the court can show good cause and if you and your spouse agree on all issues brought forward to the court.
Are Uncontested Divorces For Everyone?
Although uncontested divorces are a great option for spouses that can come to an agreement together civilly and without difficulty, realistically, an uncontested divorce is not a viable option for a lot of people in Oklahoma County. If you have a toxic relationship with your ex-spouse or have suffered domestic abuse at their hands, you should speak with an attorney to discuss your best options.
When considering whether an uncontested divorce is the right option for you and your spouse, you should ask yourself these questions:
- Do my ex-partner, and I agree on all divorce matters?
- Do we agree on child custody and support matters?
- Am I or the other spouse pursuing a divorce for a specific reason, i.e. adultery?
- Will my ex-spouse or I be seeking spousal support?
- Do we have a joint business, a high-net-worth, or high-value property together?
- Do we have a child that was adopted or has a different biological parent?
It is important that you speak with an experienced Oklahoma divorce attorney before seeking an uncontested divorce. They will help answer any questions you have and help you decide whether it is the right option for you.
What If an Uncontested Divorce Becomes Contested?
Sometimes, parties intend to go through an uncontested divorce without any issues. However, some problems then arise as a result, causing it to turn into a contested divorce. Because you and your ex-partner were able to come to an agreed divorce in the first place, it is likely that you can come to another agreement without having to bring it to court.
There are a couple of things that can be done to help remedy a contested divorce, including:
- Divorce mediation – Mediation can be used to remedy any issues that come about during the divorce process. During divorce mediation, both parties should appear with a divorce attorney and petition their case to a mediator. The aim of a mediator is to help the two parties come to an amicable agreement, through the medium of a neutral third party. They can help advise spouses on what would happen if the case was brought to court, and can offer advice on how to achieve the best outcome.
- Collaborative divorce – Instead of hiring a third-party mediator, spouses can seek to have a collaborative divorce. With a collaborative divorce, the separating spouses and their attorneys work together to achieve a settlement that reflects both of their needs. Collaborative divorces remain completely outside of the courtroom and attorneys use cooperative techniques to avoid litigation.
If your simple divorce has become contested throughout the discussion process, it is important that you consult with divorce attorneys as soon as possible. The last thing you want is to have to take your case to an Oklahoma City court. The sooner you begin the process of mediation or a collaborative divorce, the more likely it is that you can prevent your case from going to court.
Do I Need an Oklahoma City Uncontested Divorce Lawyer?
Although it is not mandatory to have a divorce lawyer to file an uncontested divorce in Oklahoma, it is strongly encouraged that you do. Divorces are rarely straightforward, even if you and your ex-partner seem to agree on all things. It is likely that either a legal issue will arise or you may disagree on something during the process.
Also, although you may believe that the divorce agreement is fair, you may discover in a couple of years that it is not actually what you want. The presence of a neutral divorce attorney on both sides can ensure that the terms of the agreement are fair and that both parties are happy with the decree.
Lastly, the process of filing an uncontested divorce is not as simple as it seems, and there are many complexities involved that can be difficult without the presence of a lawyer. Submitting documents that are legally sound and fulfilling the requirements of the court is essential to ensuring a smooth process. For this reason, it is important that you have an attorney that is highly experienced in dealing with uncontested divorces.
Child Custody Arrangements
One of the most heated and explosive issues that arise during divorce proceedings is who gets custody of the children. Even though both parties ultimately want what is best for their kids, these arguments can often become skewed, especially when tempers are raised.
The best divorce lawyers in Oklahoma City prioritize the needs of the child and will work with both parties to arrive at the best possible solution.
Primary Custody Considerations
During a hearing or trial for child custody, there will be many considerations that the judge takes into account when they make their decisions, such as:
- Whether there is a danger to the child from either parent.
- Each spouse’s stability.
- Previous parent involvement in the child’s life.
- Family proximity.
Potential Danger to Child from Either Parent
The first and most important thing that a judge in an Oklahoma City courtroom may consider when it comes to awarding custody is whether or not either parent poses a threat to the child.
Potential threats may be things like a history of drug abuse or violence.
The Parents Stability
The next thing the judge will look at is the stability of each parent. This will take into account whether or not each parent can maintain a job and lifestyle that allows them to see to all of their child’s needs.
Parent Involvement
The judge will also take into account how involved each parent has been in the child’s life up until now. This means taking the child to doctor’s appointments and turning up to sporting events and parents’ evenings.
Even though this does not guarantee custody, if the judge sees that you are involved in your kid’s life in this way, they will encourage you to continue to do so, even if you do not win primary custody.
Family Proximity and Closeness
If a child has grown up inside a close-knit family circle, the judge will always try to ensure they still have access to that circle.
This can sometimes get complicated when one party is moving to a different state or country, and in these circumstances, you will need to work out with the judge and your attorney what is best for your child.
Joint Custody
Joint custody is granted in most cases where there is no argument against one parent. This can be split in different ways but ultimately, the parent who is looking after the child be considered the primary conservator and the other parent will have visitation rights.
In joint custody cases, both parents will share rights and duties, but in some cases, things like child support and primary residence rights will be given to one parent.
Joint custody means that both parents share rights and duties. However, some parental rights can still be exclusively given to one parent, such as the right to receive child support and decide on primary residence.
Sole Custody
In cases where there is an argument for it, one parent may be granted sole custody. This means they will have the right to make any and all decisions that are important in relation to the child.
Reasons for sole custody being granted include things like domestic violence and drug abuse claims against the other spouse.
If you believe you have an argument for seeking sole custody, you will need as much evidence as possible and a strong claim. The best way to ensure this is to use a skilled child custody lawyer.
Possessory Conservatorship
Sometimes, a non-parent like a grandparent, uncle or aunt can be awarded sole conservatorship, this means the parents may be made possessory conservators.
In these situations, the parents will have certain rights to access their child but not the right to make medical or educational, or other important decisions on behalf of the child.
Call the Divorce Attorney OKC Couples Rely On For Fair and Favorable Resolutions.
Our highly experienced Oklahoma City divorce lawyers are here to help you navigate your situation, regardless of its complexity. With our team by your side, you know that someone with knowledge and understanding of the law is on your side, and fighting for your best interests.
If you are located in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Yukon, Mustang, The Village, Moore, or Midwest City, contact us today by calling 405-591-3935 for a free consultation.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR OKLAHOMA DIVORCE ATTORNEY
Step-by-Step Guide on How to File for Divorce in Oklahoma
What Are the 12 Grounds for Divorce in Oklahoma?
Can I Get a Divorce if My Spouse Lives in Another State or Country?
How Does Oklahoma Handle the Division of Assets in a Divorce?
Why Do High-Asset Divorces Need to Be Handled Differently?
What Is the Difference Between a Contested and Uncontested Divorce in Oklahoma?
What Is Alimony and How Does It Work in Oklahoma Divorce Cases?