How much does a divorce cost in Oklahoma?
Divorce can be a costly process. How much you pay depends on whether or not you hire an attorney and the type of divorce you go through.
According to Cannon & Associates law firm, the average cost of a divorce can range from $7,500 to $15,000 for a contested divorce, while an uncontested divorce can cost between $1,500 and $3,000.
Some of the costs associated with divorce in Oklahoma include:
Filing fees: These can range between $150 and $300. In Tulsa County district court, the fee for filing for divorce with minor children is approximately $252.
Attorney fees: In Oklahoma, the average attorney fee for 2025 is $257 per hour.
Additional costs: You can incur additional costs if you need to file Paternity test, sheriff service of process, certified mailing fee, custody evaluation, court reporter services, mediation, psychiatric evaluations, mandatory co-parenting course, and more.
To help minimize expenses, it’s recommended couples consider mediation to resolve disputes outside of court, opt for an uncontested divorce if possible, and gather all necessary financial documents beforehand to reduce the time their attorney spends on their case.
What are the different types of divorce in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, there are two main ways to navigate your divorce:
Uncontested divorces are where you and your spouse agree on the terms of the separation, and are notably cheaper than a contested divorce, where you cannot agree on a resolution on key issues. In a contested divorce, you need to appear in court to have a divorce granted by a judge. You’ll pay much more for a contested divorce due to the amount of legal work required.
What are the grounds for divorce in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, modern laws allow for a “no-fault” divorce, which doesn’t place blame on one party or the other. The no-fault divorce simplifies legal proceedings because neither party needs to prove fault to dissolve the marriage. Filers can simply check “incompatibility” as the grounds for divorce.
It’s not the only reason for divorce. You can also claim one of the following reasons for a “fault-based” divorce. These have more documentation requirements. These include:
Abandonment for one year
Adultery
Impotence
Extreme cruelty
Fraudulent contract
Habitual drunkenness
Gross neglect of duty
Felony imprisonment
Separation for a specified amount of time
Insanity
Bigamy
How do you file for divorce in Oklahoma?
There is a series of steps you must follow to file for divorce in Oklahoma correctly.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process:
Determine your eligibility: To file for divorce in Oklahoma, you or your spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months prior to filing.
Prepare and file the necessary documents: You must complete a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage form and file it with the court in the county where either you or your spouse live.
Pay the filing fee: You'll need to pay the filing fee. The cost of this will differ depending on your county.
Serve your spouse: This can be done through a process server, sheriff's service, or, in uncontested cases, by your spouse signing an entry of appearance and waiver of service.
Wait for a response: Your spouse has 20 days (if they are in Oklahoma) or 30 days (if they are out of state) to respond to the divorce petition.
Proceed according to the type of divorce: If your divorce is uncontested, you may be able to finalize the divorce without a court hearing. In contested cases, you'll likely need to go through mediation, temporary order hearings, and possibly a trial.
Finalize the divorce: Once all issues are resolved, whether through negotiation or court decision, the judge will sign a final decree of divorce, officially ending your marriage.
How are assets split in a divorce in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, all property and assets acquired during the marriage is considered marital property. The division of assets during a divorce follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means the court will divide assets in a way that is fair and not necessarily 50/50.
To do this, this court takes multiple factors into account, including:
The length of the marriage
Each spouse's income and earning potential
Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking and childcare),
The age, health, and needs of each spouse
The cause of the divorce
Other relevant factors
Assets often subject to division include real estate, retirement accounts, savings accounts, investments, and personal property, such as vehicles and furniture. Debts acquired during the marriage are also divided between the spouses.
How does alimony work in Oklahoma?
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a financial payment that one spouse may be required to make to the other during or after a divorce.
In Oklahoma, alimony is determined by the need of one spouse and the ability of the other spouse to pay. There’s no formula or set amount. However, the court considers several factors when deciding on alimony, including:
The length of the marriage
Age of the spouse
Each spouse’s income and earning capacity
The health of the spouses
The standard of living during the marriage
Contributions to the other’s education or earning capacity
If you need to pay alimony, consulting with a financial advisor can be invaluable. They provide crucial insights into effectively managing your finances during and after the divorce, ensuring alimony arrangements align with your long-term financial goals.
What happens to children during a divorce in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the welfare of children is a primary concern during divorce proceedings.
The state's approach emphasizes the best interests of the child, focusing on ensuring their well-being and maintaining stability.
Courts will look at various factors, including the desires of the parents and child (if of sufficient age) and the child's relationship with each parent when determining the custody arrangement and child support payments if required.
Oklahoma uses a formula to calculate child support, considering both parents' incomes, the number of children, healthcare and childcare expenses, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent. This ensures that financial support is fair and meets the child’s needs.
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