Divorce is not something easy. It creates emotional tension, economic issues, and significant life transformations. Most people baffle with the legal proceedings and do not know what will occur next. In Oklahoma City, divorce is not an exception as it has certain steps outlined by state legislation. The knowledge of these steps allows you to make more confident and fearless decisions.
A majority of individuals start by understanding rules that guide divorce in the state. This involves the familiarity with the court procedures in property, money and child matters. By reading about the Oklahoma divorce laws, you will be ready to make decisions and obligations of a divorce. The better you know the more you can plan your next chapter in life.
Oklahoma City divorce starts when one of the spouses initiates a petition at the court. This is a petition of why the marriage is terminating and what the spouse seeks. Once the petition is submitted, the rest of the spouse is given a copy of the documents. This is referred to as service of process. After receiving knowledge about the case by both spouses, the court is able to start examining the facts.
Divorce is of two kinds; contested and uncontested. Uncontested divorce occurs when both husband and wife agree on critical matters like custody, property and support. This form of divorce is also less stressful and quicker. A litigious divorce occurs when the partners are in conflict. Where disagreement is involved, the court intervenes to take decisions. The cases contested are more time consuming as a court hearing, evidence, and the witness testimony is sometimes involved.
Divorce may be a complicated process depending on the situation of the couple. Such aspects like common property, debts, children, and variances in incomes will contribute to the development of the case. Whereas the divorce is easy in some instances, other cases need scrutiny on the part of the judges and the lawyers.
When in the event of a divorce, the court is required to settle on a number of matters that impact on the two spouses as well as on their children. Being acquainted with these subjects will enable you to be prepared of the choices you might be required to undertake.
In the case of children, the best interest of the court will be their well-being. Judges examine the daily routine of the child, the stability of both homes and the child educational and emotional needs. They also regard the association between one parent and the child. The aim is never to develop a plan that will harm the lives of the child in the long run.
Child support is used to meet the basic needs of the child such as food, clothes, medical and school fees. The child support is determined by the earnings of both parents. Guidelines are applied to state to guarantee equal and uniform outcomes. There are cases when the amount can be modified in case of special needs of the child or abnormal circumstances of the finances.
Oklahoma applies the equitable distribution when dividing property. This implies that the court does not split property equally, but fairly. Marital property encompasses properties acquired during the matrimonial period, which are cars, houses, bank accounts, and retirement benefits. The court can take into account the duration of the marriage, contribution of every spouse as well as individual needs in future.
Alimony or spousal support can be given when one of the spouses requires financial assistance after the divorce. The court considers income, occupation skills, education and lifestyle that the couple lived during the marriage. The assistance may be temporary or long term depending on the case. It is aimed at ensuring that the spouse becomes financially stable.
Divorce follows a number of steps before it is final. The stages have their purposes and the time taken in each stage may vary.
A divorce commences when either of the spouses is petitioning in the district court. The primary requests are contained in this document, as well as the rationale of the divorce. Oklahoma permits both the grounds of fault and no-fault.
The second thing that follows is to inform the other spouse. This is referred to as service of process. The husband or wife then gets an opportunity to react. They can react in terms of agreements, objections or some other requests.
Oklahoma needs some waiting time according to circumstances. At this period of time, couples are able to bargain. They can negotiate child custody, support and property. Couples achieve agreements faster and some couples take longer.
In case of disagreement between the spouses, the case is taken to court. A judge hears both parties, examines evidence and makes decisions. Upon the settlement of everything, the final decree of divorce is signed by the judge. This is a document that terminates the marriage and specifies all orders.
Couples desiring not to have a prolonged battle in court should consider mediation as a useful alternative. A professional mediator facilitates the conversation. This is aimed at arriving at agreements in an amicable and respectful manner.
The process of divorce does not have to be as difficult and stressful when one is ready. Most of them begin by collecting valuable documents like bank statements, titles, tax returns, pay stubs and property documents. This data assists the court to know the financial status of the respective spouses.
Life after divorce is also a topic that should be planned. This involves consideration of housing, budgeting, work and childcare. In case you have knowledge of your financial requirements, you can make responsible choices regarding property division and support.
Talking with a legal professional can also be of assistance. Divorce is an individual case and receiving assistance may make you know your rights and responsibilities. You can be in a position to save your future by learning as much as possible about the divorce process.
Divorce in Oklahoma City could be a stressful experience but the knowledge of the process helps to develop clarity. Being aware of the events in each of the stages makes you prepared and calm. Although feelings might be very powerful, knowledge on the steps, laws and choices can aid you in arriving at conclusions that can assist you in achieving the long-term well-being. The information and readiness will enable you to proceed with optimism towards a new life.
