How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Oklahoma?

Divorce is rarely an easy process, and the uncertainty around how long it will take can add extra stress. If you’re considering or have already decided to pursue a divorce in Oklahoma, understanding the timeline is essential. This helps you set realistic expectations so you know what to expect. While some divorces can be resolved relatively quickly, others may take months, or even longer.

At the end of the day, it depends on the specifics of your situation and the state of your relationship. Oklahoma has certain laws and requirements that can impact how long it takes to finalize your divorce, including mandatory waiting periods, residency requirements, and the complexity of the issues at hand, such as child custody or property division. Whether you’re aiming for a swift uncontested divorce or are bracing for a longer, contested process, having the right information can help you prepare.

In this article, we’ll break down the key factors that influence the timeline for a divorce in Oklahoma. We’ll also discuss how an experienced Oklahoma Divorce Attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure the process moves as smoothly as possible.

What is the Divorce Timeline in Oklahoma?

When it comes to getting a divorce in Oklahoma, the time it takes to finalize can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of your case. While the state has minimum waiting periods in place, the overall timeline is influenced by several factors, including whether the divorce is contested, if there are minor children involved, and the complexity of assets to be divided. In Oklahoma, the fastest way to finalize a divorce is through an uncontested process, where both parties agree on all terms such as asset division, custody, and support.

However, in cases where there are disputes over these issues, the process can extend for months or even over a year. Each divorce is unique, and understanding the factors that affect the timeline can help set more realistic expectations.

Uncontested Divorce: The Fastest Path

If you and your spouse can agree on all the terms of your separation, such as property division, spousal support, and child custody (if applicable), you may qualify for an uncontested divorce. In Oklahoma, this is the quickest way to dissolve a marriage. When both parties reach an agreement and file the necessary paperwork without disputes, the divorce can be finalized in as little as 10 days, provided no minor children are involved. An uncontested divorce is ideal for couples who are on the same page about their assets, debts, and future arrangements. By avoiding courtroom battles and prolonged negotiations, you not only expedite the process but also save on legal fees and reduce the emotional toll of divorce.

However, it’s important to ensure that all legal documents are correctly filed and that both parties fully understand the terms they’re agreeing to. Working with an experienced OKC Divorce Attorney can help ensure that everything is properly handled, preventing delays or issues down the line. If no complications arise, the court will approve the agreement, and the divorce will be finalized quickly, allowing both parties to move forward.

Divorces Involving Children: What to Expect

When a divorce involves children, the process becomes more complex and typically takes longer. In Oklahoma, there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period for divorces involving minor children, aimed at allowing time for reconciliation or counseling if needed.

During this time, parents must work through important issues such as child custody, visitation schedules, and child support arrangements. The court’s primary focus is on the best interests of the children, which means that parents need to create a parenting plan that addresses the children’s needs in a way that the court will approve. If both parties can agree on these issues, the process can move forward more smoothly, though the 90-day waiting period still applies.

However, if there are disagreements regarding custody or support, the divorce could take much longer, as the court may need to get involved to settle these disputes. An experienced Oklahoma Divorce Lawyer can help you navigate this process, ensuring that your parental rights are protected and that the necessary paperwork and negotiations are handled efficiently.

While the waiting period is mandatory in most cases, there are certain circumstances in which it can be waived. These situations will be explored further in the next section, providing insight into how the timeline for a divorce with children can sometimes be shortened.

Waivers of the 90-Day Waiting Period: When Is It Possible?

A waiver may be granted if both parties agree that reconciliation is not possible, or if there are specific circumstances that make waiting unnecessary or harmful. For example, cases involving domestic violence, abandonment, or severe conflict between the spouses may qualify for a waiver. Oklahoma law also allows the waiting period to be waived if there is evidence of extreme cruelty, habitual drunkenness, or if one spouse is incarcerated on felony charges.

To request a waiver, the court will require evidence demonstrating why the 90-day waiting period should be bypassed. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the well-being of any children involved and the specific reasons provided by the spouses. An experienced OKC Divorce Attorney can help gather the necessary documentation and present a strong case for why a waiver should be granted.

Key Factors That Can Affect the Duration of Your Divorce

1. Residency Requirements: To file for divorce, at least one spouse must have lived in Oklahoma for six months and in the filing county for 30 days. Failing to meet these criteria means waiting until the residency requirements are fulfilled.
2. Asset and Debt Complexity: Dividing complex assets such as businesses, multiple properties, or investments can prolong the process, especially if there are disputes over what marital property or how assets should be valued.
3. Child Custody and Support: Disagreements over child custody and support can significantly lengthen the divorce. The court’s focus on the child’s best interests may require mediation or evaluations, which take time to resolve.
4. Cooperation Between Spouses: The more both parties can agree on terms like property division, custody, and support, the faster the divorce will proceed. Contested divorces, where major disagreements exist, can drag on for months or even longer.
5. Court Availability: In some cases, delays may result from court scheduling. If your case requires a trial or additional hearings, the court’s docket could extend the timeline.

Why Working with an Experienced Oklahoma Divorce Attorney Matters

A skilled lawyer understands the complexities of state law, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you avoid common pitfalls, such as missed deadlines or overlooked details in property division or custody arrangements.

Whether you’re facing an uncontested divorce or one filled with disputes over assets and custody, a seasoned OKC Divorce Lawyer can streamline the process by negotiating on your behalf, helping you reach agreements faster, and minimizing the need for lengthy court battles. In more complex cases, they will advocate for you in court, ensuring the judge has all the information needed to make informed decisions.

By working with a knowledgeable attorney, you not only speed up the process but also gain peace of mind knowing that your best interests are being looked after. This allows you to focus on rebuilding your life and moving forward with confidence.

Call or text the Lai and Turner Law team today to take the next steps. We’re here to provide support and advocacy every step of the way. Simply reach out to us at 405- 665-8866, and we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.