What Do I Need to Know About Filing Divorce in Oklahoma with Help Yourself Divorce?
Help Yourself Divorce is a no-fault divorce service, for those who agree on the terms of the divorce and are both willing to sign the papers. The following is a list of requirements and information about what to expect from the process. Please note that this will only apply if you use the services of Help Yourself Divorce. Those seeking to use another route for their divorce should perform their own research about what to expect from the process.
Grounds for Divorce in Oklahoma.
Help Yourself Divorce is a no-fault divorce service, so if you decide to use our service, your divorce papers will be prepared based on the ground of “incompatibility.” This means you and your spouse agree to file a “no-fault” divorce.
Oklahoma Residency Requirements.
To file for divorce in Oklahoma, at least one spouse must have been an actual resident of the state of Oklahoma, in good faith, or a resident of any United States army post or military reservation within the State of Oklahoma, for six months immediately before filing for divorce.
If you and your spouse have minor children, the court must have jurisdiction over them. Generally this means your children must have lived in Oklahoma for at least six months and currently live in Oklahoma, or have lived in Oklahoma within six months of filing.
Please note that you may be able to qualify for residency based on other requirements. If you are not sure whether you fall into one of the above categories, please seek advice from an attorney.
Filing for Divorce in Oklahoma.
Generally you will file for divorce in the county where the petitioner has resided for 30 days, or in the county where the respondent resides.
Oklahoma Divorce Filing Fees.
When you file the papers, you will have to pay a separate filing fee to the Courts. Please check with your local court clerk to find out how much the current filing fee is.
Serving Your Spouse with Divorce Papers.
After filing the divorce papers with the court, you “serve” your spouse by mail or hand-delivery. Formal service by process server or sheriff is not required in agreed cases. Your spouse will sign a form stating that he or she has received the papers, and that form will be filed with the court.
Waiting Period in Oklahoma.
If there are no minor children of the marriage, the waiting period is 10 days. Your divorce can be finalized once at least 10 days pass after filing for divorce.
If there are minor children of the marriage, the waiting period is 90 days. Your divorce can be finalized once at least 90 days pass after filing for divorce.
Oklahoma Final Divorce Hearing.
Uncontested divorces are finalized during a hearing, where many uncontested divorces are granted during the same hearing.
Additional Information.
If you and your spouse have minor children, most courts in Oklahoma will require you and your spouse to attend an educational course about children and dealing with the effects of divorce.
If you have any questions about whether our service is right for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
IMPORTANT: Help Yourself Divorce is a paralegal service, not a law firm. Please don’t rely on this information for legal advice. Seek help from an attorney if you need legal advice.