Filing a petition for divorce can feel like a huge step, and it is. When filing for divorce, one spouse (the petitioner) files a legal document petitioning for a divorce from the other spouse. This is the first step in a divorce which can be a long and winding process. Once you have taken this initial step, you may be wondering what to expect next. Divorces can be complicated, so it can be helpful to have an overview of the next steps.
At Self Legal Group, PLLC in Oklahoma City, our divorce and family law attorneys have years of experience with divorce and family law in the state of Oklahoma. With our legal assistance, you will always know what to expect through every step of the divorce process.
FIRST STEP
Deciding to file a divorce petition is the first step you take when you wish to end your marriage. To initiate the process, you must file a petition for divorce in the district court of the county in which you and your spouse have resided for a minimum of 30 consecutive days.
HOW LONG WILL THE DIVORCE PROCESS TAKE?
After filing a petition, your first question regarding divorce may be: how long will this process take? The answer to this question depends on the type of divorce and several other factors.
In an uncontested divorce, the terms of the divorce are agreed upon by both parties, or certain issues have been resolved before going to court. If the divorce is uncontested and does not involve minor children, the divorce can potentially be finalized in as few as ten days after filing the petition. If minor children are involved, then the earliest the divorce can be finalized in 90 days after the petition is filed.
In a contested divorce, there may be one or more issues that need to be resolved before the divorce can be finalized. These issues or disagreements may include decisions regarding custody, child support, alimony, asset distribution, division of property, and more. In these cases, the divorce will take longer to finalize. In an uncontested divorce, it is important to involve an experienced lawyer whom you trust to be on your side and protect your rights.
TEMPORARY SOLUTIONS DURING THE DIVORCE PROCESS
Once you file a petition for divorce in Oklahoma, an Automatic Temporary Injunction goes into effect. With an Automatic Temporary Injunction, each party is protected from a spouse taking inappropriate actions with assets, property, debts, or children. In addition to the Automatic Temporary Injunction, the courts may issue additional temporary orders regarding child support, visitation, custody, possession of the property, the payment of a debt, and spousal maintenance.
Additionally, if domestic abuse or child abuse is a factor, an attorney may be able to help you pursue a temporary restraining order, victim’s protective order, or other legal claims against the abuser. For more information regarding these temporary solutions after filing a divorce petition, contact a divorce lawyer you can trust, such as the team at Self Legal Group, PLLC.
NEXT STEPS
After filing a petition for divorce, an experienced divorce attorney can help navigate all matters of the divorce process. While the Temporary Automatic Injunction provides protection during the divorce proceedings, there will still be many decisions to make before finalizing the divorce. A qualified divorce attorney will not only help you understand these matters but will help protect your rights as well. Matters that will need to be addressed may include the division of property, alimony, child support, child custody, and more.
- Division of Property: The division of property including the house, mortgage, vehicles, and other assets can become a source of disagreement during a divorce. Your divorce attorney can help find a resolution for these issues.
- Child Support, Custody, and Visitation: A qualified divorce attorney understands the importance of prioritizing your minor children during a divorce so the children’s lives are disrupted as little as possible. Your attorney will help to calculate the child support needed and the best custody and visitation schedule for your child.
- Alimony or Spousal Support: Your divorce lawyer will aim to ensure that you get the support you need to maintain your existing standard of living based on many factors, including financials and assets, earning potential, future parenting responsibilities, and more.
CONTACT SELF LEGAL GROUP, PLLC
Choosing to petition for divorce is a difficult decision, and the process that follows can be intimidating as well. If you are thinking about filing a petition for divorce, contact our team of divorce lawyers at Self Legal Group, PLLC in Oklahoma City. We can help you assess what your divorce case will look like for you and your children and fight for your rights. Contact one of our attorneys in OKC today.