If your marriage is ending in the Sooner State, you may ask yourself, “How much does a divorce cost in Oklahoma?” Divorces have a reputation for being costly, but not every dissolution of marriage has to be financially burdensome. Knowing the cost factors contributing to divorce costs can help you find ways to reduce your divorce costs.
Divorce Cost Factors
As with any court filing, court filing fees must be paid when starting the divorce process. The filing fee for divorce is just under $200 dollars. In cases where one party initiates the divorce, the petitioner is responsible for paying for this initial fee. Once the petition for divorce has been filed and accepted by the court, the petitioner will need to pay additional process server fees to ensure that the other spouse is duly notified about the court case.
Having legal representation can be crucial during a divorce, especially when your parental rights and property division may be decided by the courts. Your lawyer can protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the court process.
Family law attorneys generally charge a flat hourly rate that they disclose before representing you. Lawyers often request an up-front payment known as a retainer that must be paid before legal services are rendered. The longer a case lasts, the more time and resources your attorney and their law firm will need to pour into it. This can contribute to the overall cost of your divorce.
Fortunately, a family law attorney is also your most valuable resource for making sure that your case resolves within a reasonable time frame. Your attorney can work with opposing counsel to resolve lingering areas of disagreement.
An experienced lawyer can bring new and novel solutions to seemingly intractable problems. Mediation is one option that can settle outstanding issues without the need for prolonged litigation, saving both time and money while reducing stress for all parties involved.
How Can My Attorney Help Expedite My Divorce Process?
One job of a divorce attorney is to understand the full range of options that can resolve areas of disagreement between the parties so a divorce case does not drag on for several months or even well over a year. Hiring an experienced attorney who understands conflict management and how to successfully negotiate a divorce’s terms can save considerable time and money.
One way your lawyer can resolve outstanding issues during a divorce is by working with opposing counsel. Even when your spouse does not act in good faith, their attorney has an ethical obligation to persuade their client to act in good faith when it comes to resolving areas of disagreement.
When both attorneys have a shared goal of resolving the divorce case and working through lingering issues, they can achieve breakthroughs that allow the case to settle so the divorce can be finalized.
Another remedy could be mediation. Mediators are skilled negotiators who act as neutral third parties during mediation. When the divorce comes to a standstill due to an inability to agree on certain topics, mediators can break through those impasses by encouraging both parties to make modest concessions in the interest of the greater good.
The ultimate goal is to avoid a trial that could greatly delay the finalization of the divorce. By communicating your goals and priorities, you can help your lawyer better understand what areas you are and are not willing to compromise on. Ultimately, a collaborative approach is ideal if your goal is to reduce the cost of a divorce in Oklahoma.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Divorce if Both Parties Agree in Oklahoma?
A: In Oklahoma, if both parties agree on all terms of the divorce, the process can be relatively inexpensive. An uncontested divorce usually involves lower costs compared to a contested one. By reaching mutual agreements on issues like property division and custody, couples can streamline the process, potentially avoiding lengthy court proceedings and minimizing overall expenses.
Q: What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce in Oklahoma?
A: The cheapest way to get a divorce in Oklahoma is through an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all key issues, such as property division, child custody, and support. This approach typically requires less time and fewer court appearances, which helps reduce costs.
Clear communication and collaboration are key to keeping costs low.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Oklahoma?
A: Oklahoma has a mandatory 90-day waiting period when children are involved. This means that from the day the divorce petition is filed, both parties must wait 90 days before a judge will sign the final divorce decree.
Even after the 90-day period has ended, a judge will want to see that both parties are in full agreement on the terms of the divorce. The case may last considerably longer until both parties come to an agreement on important matters.
Q: What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Oklahoma?
A: Oklahoma’s divorce laws do not make a preference when it comes to gender. Both parties are entitled to an equitable share of the marital estate following a divorce. The same is true for parental rights. Both parents are presumed to be fit until proven otherwise. One way you can protect your parental rights in court is by hiring an attorney who understands how to defend the interests of clients in court.
Schedule Your Oklahoma Divorce Consultation Today
Divorces can often seem overwhelming and expensive, but with the right legal team, it doesn’t have to be that way. Having strong representation ensures your case stays on track, avoiding unnecessary delays and resolving issues as smoothly as possible.
At Stange Law Firm, we focus on efficiency, addressing your case with care while keeping costs down. We understand the importance of protecting your rights and getting through the process without extra stress. You don’t need to worry about inflated fees or delays with us. If you’re navigating a divorce in Oklahoma, reach out today to set up a consultation and see how we can help you move forward.
