Getting divorced is generally not going to be a pleasant experience, regardless of whether or not the divorce is contested or uncontested. At the end of the day, a divorce is still a divorce, and that can be a painful, overwhelming, and stressful life event for you to handle on your own. The divorce process can be confusing and tedious aside from being difficult to deal with, and an experienced Tulsa, OK, divorce lawyer can help you work on a smooth, uncontested divorce.
What Exactly Is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce is generally considered the smoothest way to finalize your divorce and split from your partner without much of a legal or personal headache. In an uncontested divorce, you and your partner have come to a mutual realization that a divorce would be better for both of you. You are able to sit down and have a calm, rational discussion where you figure out the finer details together, including child custody arrangements, asset division, and spousal support.
When you have to make the decision that a divorce is your only way forward, there are generally two ways that your divorce could go. The first is a relatively smooth, uncontested divorce where both partners work together for a mutually beneficial outcome. The other is a contested divorce, where things get messy and personal, and both partners often leave unsatisfied. In a contested divorce, you are unable to compromise with your partner, and they refuse to divorce quietly.
When you choose to seek a divorce, you typically do not want a contested divorce, but unfortunately, it may be out of your control. If you are able to move forward with an uncontested divorce, the process will take considerably less time than a contested divorce, and it will likely cost you much less in the long run. The key element is compromise, which helps move things forward.
How to Get an Uncontested Divorce in Oklahoma
The process of getting an uncontested divorce is generally much easier than the alternative. Nevertheless, having someone by your side with experience handling divorce cases of all kinds can be a significant help during moments when you might not fully know what you are doing. If you choose to file for divorce alone, you will be responsible for filing the right paperwork.
By hiring an experienced divorce lawyer, you are ensuring that you don’t miss any crucial filing deadlines or accidentally file in the incorrect county. You should never rush things just to get it over with. While filing for an uncontested divorce is simpler, it is still a significant legal process that needs to be handled with care. Having additional help handling the finer details can only benefit you. Here are various steps in filing for an uncontested divorce in Oklahoma:
- Agree on terms. In order for an uncontested divorce to move forward in Oklahoma, both partners have to be in total agreement with the overall terms outlined in the divorce settlement. If there are any elements under disagreement, it may fall to the court to make those decisions for you, and there’s a chance that nobody will be satisfied. Generally, if you are filing for an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse have already agreed.
- File the right paperwork. To make sure the process goes smoothly, you need to file your paperwork in the right county. You must file in the county where either spouse has lived for at least 30 days. You will need to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Entry of Appearance and Waiver, and a proposed Divorce Decree. You can find these forms online or at your county circuit courthouse. If both parties agree, a court appearance may be unnecessary.
- Meet the requirements. In order to file for divorce in Tulsa, at least one spouse must be a resident for at least six months before filing, residing in the county for at least 30 days. Additionally, there is a minimum 10-day waiting period for couples without children and a 90-day waiting period for those with children.
FAQs
Q: Will I Need a Lawyer for My Uncontested Divorce?
A: Hiring a lawyer is not legally required to file for a divorce. You must agree with your spouse on terms, file the right paperwork with the court, and endure a brief waiting period. Hiring a lawyer can make the process easier, however, as they can ensure you file the paperwork correctly. Having a lawyer by your side during any legal dispute can give you peace of mind.
Q: What Is the Cost of an Uncontested Divorce?
A: There is no reliable way to determine the cost of an uncontested divorce. Each divorce’s cost and outcome are influenced by various factors that are unique to each individual case. For instance, an uncontested divorce is generally cheaper than a contested one, but you may still have to deal with standard court costs and the normal financial losses of a divorce.
Q: What Are the Positives of an Uncontested Divorce?
A: Going through an uncontested divorce is often much easier than suffering through a contested one. While it may be considered a more positive experience, it is still a divorce overall. It might be painful for you to endure. Still, one cannot ignore the positives, such as the overall expense. An uncontested divorce is often quite cheaper than the alternative. You may only have to pay a filing fee for the paperwork and lawyer’s fees if you hire a lawyer.
Q: What Are the Negatives of an Uncontested Divorce?
A: Despite being easier to deal with than a contested divorce, an uncontested divorce is not without its negative aspects. The primary negative aspect of an uncontested divorce is that it can sometimes feel rushed. If you aren’t careful, you could overlook certain aspects that might end up costing you in the long run. Take your time to look over everything and make sure you aren’t accidentally making some costly mistakes.
Contact Us Today
At Stange Law Firm, we can help you work your way through your uncontested divorce by representing your interests and providing you with stable, reliable legal advice throughout your case. Contact us to speak with someone about your case.
