Confronting the idea of divorce can be incredibly difficult, and the legal processes surrounding divorce are anything but intuitive. It’s vital to have legal counsel you can trust if you are bracing for a divorce in Oklahoma City. The right attorney can clarify legal statutes to help you better understand your options at the end of your marriage. It’s natural to have any questions about the divorce process in Oklahoma. The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about what to expect from a divorce in Oklahoma City.

What Is My Divorce Going to Cost Me?

It is perfectly natural to have strong concerns about your future finances and property division as you prepare for your divorce. Legal fees can be expensive, and you should expect to pay your attorney for the duration of your divorce case. The time required to settle the case comes down to individual factors. The number of children you have, the complexity of your marital assets, and the availability of alternative dispute resolution will also contribute to the overall cost of handling your divorce. It is not uncommon for divorce in the US to cost a spouse in excess of tens of thousands of dollars to successfully complete their divorce.

Is There Any Way to Speed Up the Divorce Process?

If you are concerned about the potential cost of legal representation for your divorce case, it is important to know your options. Many divorcing couples choose mediation to save time and money while also maintaining more control over their divorces. Oklahoma typically requires a 90-day waiting period for the finalization of a divorce order, but a judge might waive this if neither party objects.

In the event a married couple has no children, minimal or no shared assets, and meets the other criteria for a “waiver divorce,” it is possible to secure a divorce order in as little as ten days under Oklahoma state laws.

Should I File for Divorce First?

It does not matter which spouse files a divorce petition first. While many people mistakenly believe that being the first to file makes one more sympathetic in the eyes of the court, filing first provides no actual legal advantage. When the court receives a divorce petition, they will serve the necessary paperwork to the petitioner’s spouse and confirm receipt of these materials.

Do I Really Need to Hire a Lawyer?

You might believe that your spouse is agreeable enough that the two of you can peacefully negotiate your divorce or that your issues are so straightforward that legal counsel would be unnecessary. However, attempting to navigate divorce without legal representation is a bad idea, especially if your spouse hires legal counsel of their own. Think of hiring an attorney as an investment in success with your divorce. Your attorney can help you prepare for the proceedings ahead with greater confidence and help you overcome the challenges you are likely to face in your divorce.

Even if you pursue alternative dispute resolution like mediation, it is wise to hire an attorney to provide legal counsel and guidance during your mediation sessions. Your attorney can also assist you in gathering the materials you need to create a strong case or coordinate expert witness testimony to support you if necessary.

Am I Going to Go to Court?

Litigation may be unavoidable in some divorce cases. For example, if divorce came about due to criminal activity, domestic violence, or violation of a prenuptial agreement, this may require litigation to clarify the important legal statutes surrounding these issues. It is best to avoid litigation as much as possible by pursuing alternative dispute resolution, but this is only possible if both spouses are agreeable to the idea.

Why Should I Mediate My Divorce?

Divorce mediation is a popular choice because of the expediency, efficiency, savings, and privacy it offers compared to litigation. Divorcing couples who do not want their legal proceedings recorded into public record can privately discuss their divorces in mediation. The process also requires a fraction of the time and money required of litigation. It is a more relaxed process overall.

While divorce mediation offers several distinct advantages, there are some issues that will require litigation or a judge’s approval. For example, the divorcing couple may need to litigate very technical and complex financial issues. They will also need a judge’s approval for any child custody and child support agreements they reach in their mediation sessions. Despite these apparent limitations, divorce mediation is always a much more expedient method of ending a marriage than litigation.

How Will My Divorce Case End?

It is very difficult to predict how any given divorce case will unfold but speaking with an experienced Oklahoma City divorce attorney is the best option for anyone who needs specific answers to their unique situation. The legal process of divorce ends when a judge delivers a ruling or approves a mediated divorce agreement. After the couple completes the 90-day waiting period or waives the waiting period, the divorce is granted. The couple is no longer legally married.

What Happens After My Divorce?

In most divorce cases, by the time the divorcing spouses have obtained their divorce decree, they will have already made separate living arrangements and started the process of unmingling their lives. After divorce, the couple may need to renegotiate elements of their divorce agreement as their lives change. For example, one of the spouses might file a post-judgment motion requesting reduced child support after losing their job.

An experienced Oklahoma City divorce attorney can not only assist their client in approaching the divorce process with more confidence but also connect them to valuable resources that can assist them during and after divorce. For example, an accountant can help a client develop a new budget to adjust to single living, tax professionals can assist in evaluating the tax implications of a divorce decree, and career advisors may help a recently divorced client secure employment or job training.

Ultimately, hiring the right attorney to represent you in divorce offers many advantages. No matter what your divorce entails, secure legal representation as swiftly as possible from a reliable Oklahoma City divorce attorney for the best chance of navigating your divorce to a fair and reasonable conclusion.