Divorce is a very delicate issue since it always involves a number of issues that need to be taken into consideration as well as planned. Legal proceedings are always stressful and complex, especially when it comes to the dissolution of marriage, thus, this paper will unveil the legal realities as well as legal resources that are available for those in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Thus, it is primarily a concise guide that could be helpful in getting useful tips about divorce lawyers in Tulsa, OK, including legal procedures and requirements, child support, money issues, and choosing a professional to represent a divorcing party.
The Legal Grounds for Divorce in Oklahoma
Oklahoma accepts the no-fault as well as the fault-based ground of divorce. These can be clearly understood in a bid to decipher the right line of action to take, depending on the case at hand.
- No-Fault Divorce: Oklahoma law that has made it easier to get a divorce today has listed the major reason for divorce as incompatibility. This entitles the belief that the couple has lost the ground for marital living and that this cannot be changed or remedied in the future.
- Fault-Based Divorce: However, there are situations that can be pleaded as grounds for annulment, for instance, adultery, abandonment, impotence, habitual drunkenness, cruelty, fraud, etc.
Divorce Process in Tulsa
Divorce in Tulsa is a complex procedure, which depends on several important stages, thus, the proper attention to its fulfilment and reference to the state legislation.
Filing the Petition
The necessary legal procedures for an ok dissolution of marriage entail either of the partners, the petitioner, to take a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage to the Tulsa County District Court. This paper outlines the grounds for divorce and any ancillary orders as to children and support that one spouse might apply for against the other.
Serving the Petition
The petitioner must then deliver a copy of it to the other spouse, which is the respondent, together with a summons. The respondent then has a specific time before which they file an answer in the case.
Temporary Orders
Either of the parties is capable of approaching the court to get temporary orders concerning issues like access to the children, support, and the use of the property during the process of dissolution.
Discovery
In a divorce, both the spouses, as well as any other co-plaintiff, exchange all the necessary documents pertaining to the case. The time that it takes to provide financial statements, take depositions, and respond to interrogatories falls under this phase.
Negotiation and Settlement
Most retentive separations are actualised through arranging and compromise without the time for trial. Arbitration and more specifically, mediation can be a useful method when trying to come to a mutually satisfactory solution.
Trial
When the above steps are followed, and a resolution is not arrived at, the case is taken to trial. Additional evidence, arguments and objections in contentious issues will be presented to the judge for his/her decision.
Final Decree
The matter is strictly regulated by law; the Divorce is granted after the Judge signs the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. This paper captures the discussions on marriage dissolution outlining the matters of property division and children custody besides support responsibilities.
Child Custody and Support
It is common to find that the matter of child custody is usually one of the biggest concerns in a divorce. As for custody matters, the best interest of the child is the main determining factor in Oklahoma courts.
- Types of Custody: Custody can be physical joint or sole, in which one or the other parent is given the custody of the child. Joint physical custody does not necessarily refer to fifty/fifty of access to the child but the aspect that both parents are involved in major facets of the life of the child.
- Factors Considered: Basically, some of the factors that the court considers are as follows: closeness of the child to each parent, each parent’s capacity to pay for the needs of the child and physical and/or sexual maltreatment of the child.
Child support, in its foundational aspect, implies concern with the extent of monetary contribution that is supposed to be made by the parents towards the child depending on the income of the parents, needs of the child as well as the time spent on the child by each parent. Some of the objectives include using guidelines to put into practice a fair approach towards support needs in Oklahoma.
Financial Considerations
Finances would be another issue that might entail perspective since divorce is costly as compared to marriage.
- Property Division: Oklahoma is an equal distribution state, as the property is divided according to the law, which does not necessarily mean that it has to be fifty-fifty. Going further, I have to name the possible factors influencing the division of property: duration of marriage, both partners’ contributions, and future needs.
- Spousal Support: Spousal maintenance is also called alimony and refers to circumstances where one spouse is legally enjoined to provide financial support to the other spouse after delivering a divorce. They include the period of marriage, age, earning ability of each of them, and the extent of their assets throughout the marriage.
Choosing the Right Divorce Lawyer
This area of law in relation to divorce, therefore, requires one to look for the right lawyers to handle the case. Here are some tips to help you choose the right divorce lawyer:
- Experience and Expertise
To ensure that you will be provided with the best service, seek the services of a lawyer who specialises in family law and, more importantly, is conversant with the divorce laws in Oklahoma. Experience implies that an attorney will give you the right advice in relation to your circumstances.
- Reputation and Reviews
Google the lawyer to see what clients are saying about them, what colleagues are referring to the particular lawyer, and the rating of the lawyer. Probably, the attorney who is reputed will present your case in the best way that will help you win the case.
- Communication Skills
Select a lawyer who is good at answering questions and is swift in his/her responses. Thus, communication makes sure that you receive regular feedback concerning the process and that your issues are solved on time.
- Compatibility
This is important because you will be disclosing some of the information to the lawyer, hence the need to appreciate their company. Make sure you get along with your attorney and that your attorney properly understands your case.
Those in search of legal advice will naturally seek the best divorce lawyers in Tulsa, OK, to improve the results of the trial.
Conclusion
Divorce is indeed a tough, time-consuming, and emotionally draining procedure, but if one knows the laws well and has proper backing, it can make a huge difference. Oklahoma laws are rather complex, and guidelines for divorce, child custody and support, as well as financial issues, must be understood to better cope with this difficult period. Choosing a knowledgeable and sensitive divorce attorney will also help to guarantee that your rights and feelings will be respected throughout the procedure.
