Getting divorced can be an emotional time for everyone involved. There are so many important filing deadlines you have to make, and there are many elements you can’t ignore. That’s why it’s so vital to get a lawyer to assist you through this trying time. However, it’s largely up to you to ensure that you do everything right and don’t make any costly mistakes along the way. It’s just as important to know what not to do during a divorce. A Tulsa divorce lawyer can help you.

It doesn’t take much for a divorce to become a total legal nightmare, especially if it ends up being contested by your spouse. Choosing the right lawyer can end up being one of the most important decisions you make during this entire process. They can ensure you protect yourself the right way, while also developing a strong case for you regarding alimony or custody arrangements. Our firm can provide you with the resources you need to see this through.

Hiring the Right Lawyer

Throughout this process, you want to make sure you have someone by your side with experience handling divorce cases like yours while also having considerable knowledge of the state’s divorce laws, which can get complicated. The multi-state legal team at Stange Law Firm has helped many clients across the country determine the right courses for their divorce. We can bring focus, knowledge, experience, and empathy to your case.

As you deal with your divorce, you may want to familiarize yourself with your state’s divorce and marriage rates, if only to remind yourself that you’re not the only one dealing with something like this. 

According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Oklahoma has a high divorce rate of 3.3 per 1,000 people as of 2023. The marriage rate, though, is low at 6.1 per 1,000 residents as of 2022, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Getting divorced can be emotional and painful. The drain it can take on your mental health can often be staggering. It’s understandable to want to ask for help. You might want to consider reaching out to a local divorce support group for help, such as DivorceCare or Healing Through Divorce. Surrounding yourself with individuals who are all going through the same thing as you can give you a safe space to talk through everything you’re concerned about for the future.

What Not to Do During Divorce Proceedings

In an Oklahoma divorce, there are many different behaviors and actions that can be viewed as unstable, vindictive, cruel, or just plain ignorant. If you upset the family court, it can be difficult to get them back on your side. Certain actions could alienate them permanently and result in an unfavorable settlement for you. It’s important to know which actions are vital to your case and which can damage it for good. Here are some actions you should never take during a divorce:

  • Above all, you should never ignore a legal deadline. If you are served with divorce papers, you have a certain amount of time to file a response. If you fail to provide a response, you could end up with a default judgment against you. Ignoring legal deadlines can result in fines and other legal penalties. A good lawyer can make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.
  • Never try to hide assets. Hiding assets is illegal in most states, including Oklahoma. If either you or your spouse is caught trying to hide assets from one another or from the court, the spouse who is caught may be fined or could even serve jail time. Additionally, they may be vilified by the court, which could result in a better settlement for the other spouse.
  • Never involve your children in a negative way. Don’t try to manipulate them as pawns to use against your spouse. This can be seen as parental alienation, which occurs when one parent tries to use threats, bribes, or outright lies in order to turn their kids against the other parent. This can seriously affect the custody arrangement for the spouse who is actively trying to hurt the other.

FAQs

Q: How Much Will a Divorce Cost?

A: There is no way to tell how much your divorce might cost you, as every divorce case is different. Every case has its own unique contributing factors that will directly influence every element of the case, including the total cost to you. That cost will include court costs, lawyer fees, loss of assets, and potential spousal or child support. Your lawyer can help you minimize your losses.

Q: When Can I Begin Divorce Proceedings in Oklahoma?

A: In Oklahoma, you can begin divorce proceedings whenever you wish. You can file as soon as you choose to end the marriage. Oklahoma is a no-fault divorce state, which means you are not required to prove your spouse’s wrongdoing in order to get divorced. You can simply cite irreconcilable differences and file for divorce. Your spouse can do very little about it, even if they don’t want a divorce and you do.

Q: Do I Need My Spouse’s Permission to Get Divorced?

A: In Oklahoma, you do not need your spouse’s permission to get divorced. Oklahoma is a no-fault divorce state, which means you are not required to provide a reason for pursuing a divorce. If you no longer love your spouse and want to end the marriage, that’s enough. If you and your spouse can reach a mutually beneficial agreement on most of the issues that will come up in the divorce, the process can go a lot faster and smoother.

Q: Should I Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

A: Yes, you should hire a divorce lawyer. Depending on your situation, it’s entirely possible that your divorce can get messy, emotional, and contested. If that’s the case, you will want an experienced divorce lawyer by your side to ensure things go your way. A divorce lawyer can take control of your case, protect your interests, and make sure you don’t get taken advantage of.

Contact Us Today

At Stange Law Firm, we can ensure you don’t make any mistakes in your divorce. Contact us to speak to someone about your case.