Divorce has become more common and accepted, but it is still hard. When your marriage ends, you need to make choices that will affect your future and (if you have any) your children's future, Getting the right information can help you make smart choices.

I can answer your questions. I will help you know your rights and duties during this tough time. You do not have to go through a divorce alone. Contact 918Lawyer online or at 918-587-8800 to get help.

Uncontested and Contested Divorce In Northeastern Oklahoma

The divorce process is dependent in part on whether it's contested or not. Uncontested divorces can move along rather quickly when the divorcing couple agrees on property division, debt division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. When one spouse challenges any of these matters, the divorce becomes contested. 

The process will proceed to trial unless the soon-to-be ex-spouses can come to an agreement. Sometimes mediation or another alternative dispute resolution process may be used to help them come to that agreement. 

Cost 

918Lawyer has a fixed fee for uncontested cases. If the parties have a dispute, the final cost is uncertain. But 918Lawyer tries to set up a monthly payment if needed. 918Lawyer also has a fixed fee for the first stage of a divorce case (this does not cover an emergency).

Uncontested Divorce

A divorce is uncontested when the spouses have settled ALL matters. It does not mean that both spouses agree to end the marriage. Oklahoma does not require showing fault for a divorce.

If you and your spouse have no disputes, you can hire 918Lawyer to take care of the legal documents and the paperwork. You can also hire me for a limited scope of services --- I prepare all of the legal documents and give them to you with instructions on how to follow up. In other words, you handle all the procedure yourself.

In Tulsa County, it is possible that neither party has to miss work and go to the courthouse when an attorney is hired. When a party does not have an attorney, they have to go to the courthouse in person, not only for filing the documents but for appearing before a Judge as well.

Contested Divorce 

When the parties disagree on some aspects of the divorce, the divorce is contested.. Issues that may need to be negotiated, mediated, or decided by the Court include:

• Property division
• Debt division
• Spousal support
• Child support
• Child custody 

Property & Debt Division

Property division is a key part of any divorce and involves marital property. Marital property is property acquired or obtained during the marriage as opposed to separate property that the spouse had prior to the marriage, received by gift, or inheritance.

Spousal Support

Spousal support, also commonly referred to as alimony, is not awarded as often as it was in the past. Its purpose is to help the lower earning spouse to make the transition to single life. Decisions about alimony are made based on many factors. The primary consideration is the need of the spouse and the higher-earning spouse's ability to pay.

Child Custody

Child custody is one of the most contentious areas of a divorce. It's highly emotional and can cause serious bitterness. Courts prefer both parents participating in a child's life and, as such, accommodate joint custody when possible. In some situations, one parent may have sole custody while the other may have visitation rights. Courts determine child custody based on what is in the child's best interest. 

There are 2 types of legal custody -- joint and sole. Neither custody type is dependent on the physical custody/visitation periods with the child. The custody type has to do with decision making -- whether the parents can mutualy make important decisions for the child.

Child Support

Both parents are required to provide financial support for their child. The Oklahoma legislature has set guidelines for the financial responsibility of each parent.  The income of the parents is the primary factor in determining the amount of support. However, there are other considerations as well. Not all child support calculations are straightforward.

If the child receives state beneifits, such as SoonerCare, the Department of Human Services, Child Support Services, has to approve of any child support orders. That adds additional layers of child support laws and regulations to the child support calculation to an already complicated determination of monthly child support.

Contact an Experienced Famly Law Attorney Today

There's a lot to consider when you are going through a divorce. The decisions made during this time will impact you and your family's life for a long time, maybe even a lifetime. It's important to get guidance from an experienced  family law attorney who will advocate for you and your family. Contact 918Lawyer online or call 918-587-8800.