Cheap Divorce in Oklahoma

When a couple undertakes the divorce process, there are many ways to make this procedure less expensive. The surest way to obtain a cheap divorce in Oklahoma is for a couple to agree on all the terms of their separation in writing. If a written agreement can be submitted by both people, they may apply for a joint petition for an uncontested divorce. This document should include details on how to handle issues such as:

• Division of mutually owned property

• Payment of joint debts

• Alimony payments

• Child support payments

• Child custody arrangements

• Visitation rights

There are many advantages to completing this kind of agreement and filing a joint petition for a cheap divorce in Oklahoma. This kind of document will eliminate the uncertainty that comes with relying up on a judge to decide the terms of a separation. If couples can cooperate in filling out the forms, there will be no need to pay for a lawyer. In this case, the fee for filing the petition with the appropriate district family court may be the only expense involved in getting a cheap divorce in Oklahoma. The cost will vary from county to county but is unlikely to exceed $400.

If one spouse decides to file an official response to the complaint, they will be charged a fee for this service. In general, if either spouse files a motion against the other, they will be charged separately. This means that both spouses will probably need to estimate a separate budget for their cheap divorce in Oklahoma. These kinds of separations are known as “contested divorces” and can be much more expensive.

Some couples may be committed to drafting a separation agreement before their court date but unable to resolve areas of dispute without the guidance and input of a third party. In this case, it may be worth the expense of splitting the cost of a lawyer experienced in divorce mediation. Court-supervised pretrial meetings will also be arranged in an attempt to get both parties to resolve their differences and create an agreement that can be used to obtain a cheap divorce in Oklahoma.

In the case of contested divorces, one or both spouses may feel incapable of adequately representing their best interests in court. If you decide you need the help of a lawyer experienced with your kind of divorce case, it will be very difficult to obtain a cheap divorce in Oklahoma. These attorneys generally charge a large fee by the hour for their services. Should you decide to retain the help of a lawyer, be sure to obtain a detailed, written estimate of expenses you can expect to be liable for.

The final rulings in every divorce will be issued by a judge, who may order a couple to rewrite part or all of any separation agreement. Without an agreement, the court may have to issue a ruling regarding alimony or child support payments.