Tulsa Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Divorce does not have to end in court. Many couples can use the services of a Tulsa divorce mediation lawyer to work out their differences through structured negotiations rather than contested litigation.

Spouses can meet with a neutral mediator to discuss property division, child custody, parenting time, and support. The parties also can obtain independent legal advice and assistance at any point in the mediation process.

About Bundy

Bundy assists clients throughout Tulsa and other parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri with family law matters. Attorneys with the firm are fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers. Two partners are board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in family law trial advocacy.*

This unique combination of skills and resources allows the Tulsa family law attorneys at Bundy to serve clients with significant and complex financial and family situations.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

In Tulsa County, there were 2,138 divorce decrees issued in 2025. The divorce rate in the county that year was 3.1 per 1,000 residents, which was slightly lower than the state rate of 3.2. Many of these divorces involve mediation.

Divorce mediation is a voluntary process by which two spouses work with a neutral third-party mediator to negotiate the terms of their divorce. The mediator does not decide the outcome of the divorce or issue binding rulings like a judge. The mediator’s role is to make sure that both parties are participating in productive discussions and to help the spouses identify possible solutions.

Typically, in a divorce mediation case, spouses can discuss and attempt to resolve the following issues:

• Property division
• Child support
• Child custody
• Visitation
• Spousal support
• Retirement accounts
• Investment portfolios
• Business ownership

If the parties reach an agreement, the terms are typically put in writing and submitted to the court for approval. In Oklahoma, the court does not enter an agreement involving children without first finding that the agreement serves the child’s best interests. If no agreement is reached, the parties may either proceed to trial or pursue mediation at a later date.

Relevant Divorce Mediation Laws

One example of a law that may impact mediation is the Oklahoma Dispute Resolution Act, which promotes and authorizes the use of alternative dispute resolution throughout Oklahoma.

Divorce is also generally governed by a separate legal framework, Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes. This section of the law outlines the procedures for ending a marriage, determining child custody and support, and dividing marital assets and debts within Oklahoma.

If you live in Tulsa or Tulsa County, mediated agreements are generally filed in the Tulsa County Courthouse, 500 South Denver Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74103, where divorce cases are heard and finalized.

Advantages of Divorce Mediation

Mediation provides many advantages that are not available in traditional litigation. One advantage is flexibility.

Rather than litigating the case in court and presenting evidence to a judge or jury at trial, spouses have the opportunity to discuss the options in mediation and come to a solution that suits the needs of the family.

Privacy is another advantage.  Hearings and trials are a matter of public record and can be accessed by anyone who wants to review them.

Mediation discussions, on the other hand, are usually private and confidential. This can be an important consideration for business owners, doctors, executives, and other professionals who may not want financial details to become part of the public record.

Spouses also have more control over the outcome of the divorce in mediation. This is because the parties, rather than a judge, are making the decisions. Because the parties understand their own financial and personal situation, they may be able to craft a more workable agreement for their specific situation.

Hire a Divorce Mediation Lawyer Today

While a mediator is neutral, each spouse is still entitled to independent legal representation. Individuals who hire a divorce mediation lawyer to represent them have the benefit of someone who can review agreements and identify any legal issues. An attorney also can make sure that the settlement agreement accurately reflects the negotiated outcome and the parties’ intentions.

A Tulsa divorce mediation attorney can also provide legal advice and assistance when evaluating complex financial matters. This legal review can help prevent unforeseen issues that would be hard to fix once the divorce is finalized.

FAQs

Can Divorce Mediation Agreements Be Changed After the Divorce Is Finalized?

Divorce mediation agreements can sometimes be changed after the divorce is finalized. Property division terms that the court approves are typically considered final and cannot be modified.

However, provisions relating to child custody, parenting time, or child support may be modified at a later date if the party requesting the modification demonstrates a substantial change in circumstances and the requested modification is in the child’s best interests.

What Documents Should I Bring to Divorce Mediation?

The documents you should bring to divorce mediation depend on your unique circumstances, but in many cases, financial records are important. This includes: 

• Pay stubs
• Tax documents
• Bank statements
• Financial records for any business you own
• A complete list of assets and debts

Being prepared with organized financial records can contribute to more productive mediation discussions and minimize clashes regarding finances.

Can Mediation Help If One Spouse Owns a Business?

Mediation can help if one spouse owns a business. For divorces involving closely held businesses, spouses must be willing to share complete and accurate financial information. Mediation discussions can include issues related to business valuation and ownership interests. Buyout options can also be discussed.

In some situations, neutral financial or business valuation professionals can be included in the mediation process to provide objective information and assist the parties in making informed decisions.

Is Everything Discussed During Mediation Confidential?

Everything discussed during mediation is usually confidential. This means the information cannot be used as evidence in court if negotiations do not result in an agreement. There are some exceptions to this general rule, such as limited disclosures involving child abuse or threats of violence.

Confidentiality allows parties to engage in open and honest discussions and explore potential solutions without concern that settlement offers or information provided during negotiations may later be used against them.

Contact Bundy Today

Divorce mediation is an option for those going through a divorce. Bundy can help you in the mediation process. Contact us today for more information.

*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.