Oklahoma City Divorce Appeals Attorney

Experiencing a divorce is never an easy process, no matter how committed you and your spouse are to remaining amicable. It is all too easy for miscommunication to arise and disputes to ensue. If you find yourself facing a final divorce decree that you do not believe reflects the facts of your case, you may wish to seek an appeal. Whether you are a young professional in Film Row or are retired in Uptown, an Oklahoma City divorce appeals & appellate attorney is here to help.

Choose the Team at Bundy Law

At Bundy Law, our team consists of three experienced legal partners, each with extensive experience in handling a wide range of family court matters in Oklahoma. Two of our Oklahoma City family law attorneys, attorney Kathleen Egan and attorney Aaron Bundy, are fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. In addition to this, Mr. Bundy is Oklahoma’s only fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

The team brings their award-winning excellence and track record of success to your case. We know firsthand how cases are handled at the Oklahoma City division of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals at 1915 North Stiles Avenue and are ready to put this knowledge to use in your case. Our partners are also listed in The Best Lawyers of America and in the new 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Family Lawyers. We are ready to work for you today.

Divorce Matters Commonly Appealed in Oklahoma City

In 2024, the state of Oklahoma saw over 15,000 divorce cases, giving the state a divorce rate of around 3.3 for every 1,000 residents. One study shows that 19.6% of these divorce cases were initiated by women in the state. When a divorce decree does not accurately reflect the facts of the case, either party is able to file an appeal. The most common divorce matters typically appealed in Oklahoma City include:

• Child custody and visitation. In a divorce involving shared minor children, the courts will determine the arrangement of their custody. Appeals can address any custody rulings, including who gets custody of the children, the terms of the visitation rights involved, and any modifications to the existing custody orders if the original ruling is deemed not to be in the child’s best interest.
• Spousal support. In certain divorce cases in Oklahoma, one spouse could seek spousal support from the other. This typically happens in divorces where the marriage lasted a long period of time. The support is intended to help the spouse keep the same standard of living they were accustomed to during the marriage. However, if there are any questions about how support was awarded or how the spouse’s incomes were calculated, you may file an appeal.
• Property division. In a divorce, any property or debts that were acquired during the marriage by either spouse will need to be divided. If a spouse believes there are grounds that prove this division was unfair or did not reflect the facts of the original case, then they may be able to seek an appeal.
• Child support. If you believe that, during the trial court and the original proceeding, child support obligations were unfairly or improperly calculated, you may be able to seek an appeal. Typically, these cases seek appeals based on the misapplication of state support guidelines or when the support awards are not supported by evidence in the case.

FAQs

How Will My Divorce Appeal Turn Out?

Without reviewing all the details of your case, there is no way to accurately determine how your divorce appeal will turn out. However, in all appeal cases, there are only three real ways it can end. First, the higher court can reaffirm the original court’s ruling. Second, they can remand the case back to the original court for trial. Finally, they can reverse the original judgment, meaning your appeal was a success.

What Steps Are Involved in the Divorce Appeal Process in Oklahoma?

First, you will need to determine what aspect of your divorce you wish to appeal. Typically, you will not be able to appeal the entire case, just a specific factor, such as child custody or property division. You will then file a notice of appeal, prepare the record on appeal, create and file the appellate brief, present oral arguments, and finally, await the higher court’s decision.

Is a Lawyer Required for an Appellate Case?

While an attorney’s presence in your case is not required for an appellate case in Oklahoma, they can make all the difference when it comes to a successful outcome. Your attorney can guide you through every necessary step, ensuring all deadlines are met and all required information is provided. They can also present your oral argument to the higher court judge when the time comes.

How Is Modification Different From Appeals?

In Oklahoma, it is important to be aware of the differences between a divorce appeal and a divorce modification. In an appeal, no new evidence is brought to light, and the higher court will make its decision based on the facts already present in the original case. In a modification, however, a change in material circumstances will warrant the modification. These changes can include those to your income or the needs of a minor child.

Hire a Divorce Appeals and Appellate Attorney Today

If you find yourself in a position of appealing a divorce decision from a lower court in Oklahoma City, you need to act fast and hire a divorce appeals and appellate attorney. While not every divorce decision is appealable, it is important to be aware of the grounds for appeal in Oklahoma and how you can take action when faced with a less-than-favorable outcome in your divorce case.

With an experienced legal team by your side, you can better navigate the complex legal system. An attorney could make the difference in a successful case. Contact the offices of Bundy Law today to schedule your appointment with our team. We can help you weigh your options.