Ending a marriage can be difficult in many ways, and if you are preparing for this process, it is vital to speak with a Tulsa divorce lawyer at Bundy Law as quickly as possible. You could encounter a host of challenges you may not be able to overcome on your own, and the right attorney can help you make more informed decisions so you can approach divorce proceedings with confidence.
If your once-happy marriage has been tarnished by betrayals, broken promises, violations of trust, or a lack of mutual respect, you may find yourself seriously considering divorce. However, even when you’re certain that ending your marriage is the right thing to do, it’s not uncommon to be wary of the complex legal divorce process, complicated emotions, and life-changing decisions on the horizon. Fortunately, you don’t have to face these challenges on your own.
Bundy Law Help People Navigate Complex Family Transitions
Our legal team of trained and highly experienced divorce lawyers serving Tulsa have successfully guided countless clients through the dissolution of their marriages and helped them achieve their legal goals in the process. We may be able to do the same for you. We understand that the decision to file for divorce is never an easy one, and we are here to provide you with the resources and support you need to make the process as stress-free as possible.
Going through a divorce? Our divorce lawyers in Tulsa are here to help. Whether you are filing for divorce or responding to your spouse’s divorce petition, time is a crucial consideration. You need to work quickly to consult an attorney and start gathering the materials you need for your case. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
Oklahoma Divorce Basics
Divorce laws can be complicated, confusing, and frustrating. Divorce is a difficult process and can be a stressful and emotional time for all parties involved. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we are here to help you make the best decisions for your family.
If you’re planning to end your marriage, we have summarized below some of what you need to know:
What To Expect When Hiring A Divorce Lawyer
If you are considering filing for divorce, it is important to understand the process and what to look for in an attorney. The first step in the divorce process is to file a petition with the court. Generally, the petition is filed with the court in a county where either spouse lives. For example, if both spouses reside in Tulsa County, the petition generally must be filed in the Tulsa County District Court. If one spouse lives in Benton County and the other lives in Sebastian County, then either spouse may elect to file in either county.
Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with a copy of the petition and a summons. Service of process must be done either through the sheriff’s office or through a process server. After the other spouse is served, they have a limited time period in which to file a response with the court.
Most attorneys can describe this process. Few are trial lawyers who know how to take a case all the way, even when the other side is a narcissist, rapidly changes lawyers, or engages in many other types of obstructive behaviors designed to delay justice. We are trial lawyers.
How To Get A Divorce In Oklahoma
Filing for divorce in Oklahoma requires you or your spouse to have been a resident — or been stationed at a military base in the state — for a minimum time period. Additionally, you must have resided in the county where you are filing for at least 30 days. Provided you meet these conditions, you can file for divorce.
What Are the Grounds For Divorce
Each state has different grounds for ending a marriage. The most frequently cited reason for divorce is incompatibility or irreconcilable differences.
Each state has “fault” grounds which may be invoked in specific circumstances.
How Does One File for Divorce?
If you have decided to file for divorce, you will need to fill out the appropriate legal paperwork. Our office uses powerful document-generation software to create filing packets in just a few minutes. You will need to include information about both parties, such as names, addresses, and contact information. After the paperwork is filled out, it will need to be filed with the court, and a filing fee will need to be paid. Once the paperwork is filed, the court will set a hearing date. At the hearing, the judge will make a decision about the divorce.
Contact Us Today Bundy Law
If you're seeking guardianship of a minor child, our skilled attorneys are here to help.
How Does Division Of Marital Assets And Debts Work?
Oklahoma is an “equitable distribution” state, which means if you and your spouse can’t reach an agreement on your own, the court will step in and divide marital property and debts according to a wide range of factors, such as each spouse’s economic health and contributions to the marriage. The standard is not necessarily a neat 50-50 division, although that is generally the starting point for the division of assets and debts.
Waiting Periods
After filing, there may be a waiting period before your divorce can be finalized. Depending on the circumstances and location of your divorce case, you may be required to wait for a different amount of time or take special classes before your divorce can be finalized.
Case Length
How long it takes to get a divorce depends heavily on the circumstances and parties involved. If there are no minor children, a divorce may be finalized quickly. However, most divorces are finalized in a matter of months, and litigation in highly contested divorce cases can take several years.
Issues Our Divorce Lawyers Resolve
Our well-regarded and well-versed divorce attorneys in Oklahoma can help you resolve a variety of family law matters related to your divorce, including:
- Marital property division
- Business and asset valuation
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Divorce mediation and settlements
- Premarital agreements
- Divorce appeals
There’s a lot riding on the outcome of your divorce case, and in many ways, your success hinges on your family law attorney’s grasp of the relevant legal issues and skill — both at the negotiation table and in the courtroom.
FAQs
You should hire a Tulsa divorce lawyer even if you think you are heading into an amicable divorce. It’s possible for many unexpected issues to arise that you will not be able to handle on your own. You could also encounter disputes that will require an attorney’s attention to resolve, and you do not want to enter divorce proceedings if your spouse has legal counsel and you do not.
The time required to finalize a divorce in Tulsa depends on multiple factors. It’s possible for some divorce cases to be resolved relatively quickly, while others may take several months or even years to complete. Contested divorces may be resolved in several ways, and your Tulsa divorce lawyer can explain the options you have for finalizing your divorce efficiently.
No, it does not matter who files for divorce in Tulsa. Being the first to file does not make you appear as the victim in the eyes of the court, nor does it provide any type of legal advantage. It’s possible for one spouse to file a divorce petition to which the other will need to respond, and it is possible for both spouses to enter a divorce petition jointly. If you are filing for divorce with cause, consult your attorney so you know how this could impact your proceedings.
Yes, it is possible to petition the court to modify a standing divorce order in Tulsa under certain conditions. If something has happened in your life that makes your current terms untenable or if another party has violated the terms of the order, these factors could form grounds for modification. A Tulsa divorce lawyer can explain what you can expect in the modification process.
Ideally, you should hire a Tulsa divorce lawyer as soon as you have reached the decision to end your marriage or as soon as you have received divorce papers from your spouse. This will give your attorney plenty of time to compile the necessary documentation and prepare you for the proceedings ahead. Additionally, if you must respond to a divorce petition you have a limited time in which to do so.
Tap Our Skills For Your High-Conflict, High-Asset, or Contested Divorce
If you’re embroiled in a particularly contentious divorce — or expect to be — our family law lawyers can provide the prompt personal attention, sage advice, and results-focused legal representation you need and deserve. We can also connect you with high-quality, third-party resources like counselors, private investigators, business valuators, and forensic accountants, and work with you and those professionals to craft a cohesive plan to achieve your legal goals.
Our experienced Oklahoma divorce attorneys are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact Bundy Law today to schedule your consultation with an experienced team of Tulsa divorce lawyers who can guide you through the difficult case ahead of you with confidence.