Many people who get divorced don’t see it coming. You may be entirely unprepared for what’s about to happen. When you’re suddenly thrust into a complicated legal battle, there may be many different elements you don’t address because you simply don’t know that you need to. A divorce is not just a signature on a piece of paper that lets you move on with your life. It’s a systematic disentanglement of two lives. A Tulsa divorce lawyer can help you keep yourself protected.

Feeling conflicted, scared, and overwhelmed during your divorce is a perfectly normal reaction. Even if you were the one who filed, you may be feeling confused and angry about your circumstances, especially if the divorce was caused by your spouse’s poor judgment. You will want someone by your side who understands everything you’re about to deal with. If you don’t do what you need to do to protect yourself, you could end up losing more than you expect.

Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

Navigating a divorce can be complex and enraging if you don’t know what you’re doing. Having the right kind of legal help by your side can change things for you and make a considerable difference. At Stange Law Firm, our multi-state legal team can provide you with everything you need to get through your divorce with dignity and positive change.

We’ve helped so many clients across multiple states through our personalized approach and determined focus. We can help you too.

According to information gathered by the CDC, Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of divorce in the entire country, at 3.7 per 1,000 residents as of 2022. The state’s marriage rate is also considerably high at 6.1 per 1,000 residents that same year, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Over 24,500 marriage licenses were issued in 2022.

As you deal with your divorce, it’s understandable to want extra help. You don’t have to deal with the emotional toll of this situation on your own. Surrounding yourself with support can be greatly beneficial. You may want to consider reaching out to a local support group like Healing Through Divorce. Talking to like-minded people dealing with similar trauma can be a big help to your healing journey.

Ways You Can Protect Yourself

People experience divorce in their own way. Everyone’s journey is different. What may be acceptable behavior to one person may be the deciding factor that ends someone else’s marriage. A consistent factor in most people’s divorces is stress.

The entire process is often quite stressful and unpredictable. It’s essential that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and employ effective coping strategies. Here are some different ways that you can protect yourself in a divorce:

  • First and foremost, you should establish a strong support system. Take comfort in the people who have been there for you through this ordeal. Your friends, family, neighbors, and even your coworkers may all want to see you emerge from this with a new lease on life. Let them help and lean on them when you need it. You may even want to use this time to reconnect with old friends you may have sidelined during your marriage.
  • Another important thing you can do to protect your health in a divorce is to establish firm and clear boundaries with your ex. Your ex may think, even after getting divorced, that they have a right to be a continued presence in your life. Ultimately, it’s up to you to make that decision. If the answer is no, which is perfectly acceptable, putting up clear boundaries may be the right thing to do.

FAQs

Q: Do I Need to Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

A: Technically, you are not legally required to hire a lawyer for anything. However, it is highly recommended that you always retain legal help anytime you are dealing with legal trouble, including a divorce. If you don’t have a lawyer by your side during your divorce, there’s a good chance your spouse’s legal team will try to take advantage of your position and leave you with very little in a proposed settlement. That’s the last thing you want.

Q: How Are Assets Split in an Oklahoma Divorce?

A: Oklahoma uses the equitable distribution model when it comes to divorces. Through this model, each spouse receives what the court deems a fair share of the marital assets. It’s important to note that fair is not synonymous with equal, and you may not receive as much as you hope. The court must consider each spouse’s contributions to the marriage and their current financial situation when determining how to divide assets.

Q: If We Have Children, Who Gets Full Custody?

A: There is no way to immediately tell which parent will get full custody of the children in a divorce. In Oklahoma, mothers and fathers are considered equal parents with equal responsibilities towards raising their children. The court will never grant one parent full custody based solely on their gender.

The court considers each spouse’s history as a parent, their financial situation, and what is in the best interest of the child. Generally, they will push for joint custody.

Q: Am I Making the Right Decision to Get Divorced?

A: Only you can answer this. You’re the one who has experienced the downfall of your marriage. You know what led to papers being filed. You recognize the patterns of disrespect, resentment, and betrayal that led you to this situation. If you feel that trust in your partner no longer exists, you should consider filing for divorce and moving on with your life. Don’t let anybody try to convince you that your reasons for filing don’t matter.

Contact a Divorce Lawyer Today

As you deal with a divorce, it’s important that you do what you can to protect your emotional, mental, and financial health. Having the right lawyer by your side may be exactly what you need. At Stange Law Firm, we can provide you with everything you need to see your divorce through. Contact us to speak with a member of our team about your case.