Going through a divorce can be an emotionally challenging and time-consuming process, and individuals often desire a swift resolution. If you’re planning to file for divorce in Oklahoma, you might be pondering over the estimated duration of the process. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the timeline for obtaining a divorce in Oklahoma. Additionally, we will explore the various steps involved, shedding light on the probable length of each phase.
Grounds for Divorce in Oklahoma: A Deeper Look
To initiate the divorce proceedings in Oklahoma, the first crucial step entails establishing grounds for divorce. Oklahoma follows a "mixed state" approach, allowing for both fault and no-fault divorce. Numerous common grounds for divorce in Oklahoma encompass:
- Adultery, indicating infidelity within the marriage.
- Abandonment, which highlights the neglectful departure of a spouse.
- Extreme cruelty, denoting severe mistreatment within the relationship.
- Fraudulent contract, highlighting the presence of deceit or misrepresentation.
- Incompatibility, emphasizing the inability to harmoniously coexist.
- Habitual drunkenness, indicating persistent alcohol dependency.
- Imprisonment, signifying the incarceration of one spouse.
- Gross neglect of duty, denoting a severe disregard for marital responsibilities.
Commencing the Divorce Process in Oklahoma
Upon successfully establishing grounds for divorce, the subsequent step necessitates filing a petition for divorce with the court. In Oklahoma, the filing fee for a divorce petition is generally $183, although this amount may vary depending on your county of residence. Subsequently, upon filing, it is vital to appropriately serve your spouse with a copy of the petition, ensuring that they are properly notified of the proceedings.
Waiting Period: A Time for Reflection
In Oklahoma, a mandatory waiting period exists before a divorce can be granted. This period spans 90 days, indicating that regardless of the smooth progress of other aspects within the divorce process, a waiting period of 90 days mustn’t be overlooked. The waiting period is primarily designed to provide the divorcing couple with ample time to contemplate the decision to proceed with the divorce. Furthermore, it allows the opportunity to make suitable arrangements pertaining to child custody, division of property, and other relevant matters.
Negotiating a Settlement: The Path to Amicable Resolution
In many instances, divorces in Oklahoma are amicably settled outside of court through negotiations between both parties and their respective attorneys. If both spouses can successfully reach an agreement regarding crucial matters such as child custody and the equitable distribution of assets, the divorce process can be concluded more expeditiously. However, if a mutually acceptable resolution cannot be reached, resorting to the court system becomes necessary. This may lead to a lengthier process and add further financial strain.
Finalizing the Divorce: The Last Step
Assuming that both you and your spouse successfully negotiate and agree on all issues pertaining to the divorce, the final step in obtaining a divorce in Oklahoma involves attaining the signature of a judge on the divorce decree. This decree explicitly outlines the terms of the divorce settlement, including matters like child custody, child support, property division, and any other relevant concerns that were negotiated throughout the process. Consequently, upon the judge’s signature, your divorce will be considered legally final.
Conclusion: The Varied Timeline of a Divorce in Oklahoma
All in all, the timeline for obtaining a divorce in Oklahoma significantly varies depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your case. In general, anticipate a minimum duration of 90 days for the process, possibly extending further due to complications or disputes. It is crucial to acknowledge that consulting an experienced family law attorney should be a priority when considering filing for divorce in Oklahoma. A skilled attorney can provide invaluable guidance throughout the process, ensuring the best possible outcome for your particular situation.