Divorce
Our Divorce Lawyers Provide Results-Focused Representation in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas
Any relationship can change over time, and marriage is no exception.
If your once-happy marriage has been tarnished by betrayals, broken promises, violations of trust, or a lack of mutual respect, you may find yourself seriously considering divorce. However, even when you’re certain that ending your marriage is the right thing to do, it’s not uncommon to be wary of the complex legal divorce process, complicated emotions, and life-changing decisions on the horizon. Fortunately, you don’t have to face these challenges on your own.
Our legal team of trained and highly experienced divorce lawyers serving Tulsa, Bentonville, and Joplin have successfully guided countless clients through the dissolution of their marriages and helped them achieve their legal goals in the process. We may be able to do the same for you. We understand that the decision to file for divorce is never an easy one, and we are here to provide you with the resources and support you need to make the process as stress-free as possible.
Going through a divorce? Our divorce lawyers in Tulsa and Bentonville are here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas Divorce Basics
Divorce laws can be complicated, confusing, and frustrating. Divorce is a difficult process and can be a stressful and emotional time for all parties involved. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we are here to help you make the best decisions for your family.
If you’re planning to end your marriage, we have summarized below some of what you need to know:
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If you are considering filing for divorce, it is important to understand the process and what to look for in an attorney. The first step in the divorce process is to file a petition with the court. Generally, the petition is filed with the court in a county where either spouse lives. For example, when both spouses reside in Tulsa County, the petition generally must be filed in the Tulsa County District Court.
Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with a copy of the petition. Service of process must be done either through the sheriff’s office or through a process server. After the other spouse is served, they have a limited time period in which to file a response with the court.
Most attorneys can describe this process. Few are trial lawyers who know how to take a case all the way, even when the other side is a narcissist, rapidly changes lawyers, or engages in many other types of obstructive behaviors designed to delay justice. We are trial lawyers.
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Filing for divorce in Oklahoma, Missouri, or Arkansas requires you or your spouse to have been a resident — or been stationed at a military base in the state — for a minimum time period. Additionally, you must have resided in the county where you are filing for at least 30 days. Provided you meet these conditions, you can file for divorce.
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Each state has different grounds for ending a marriage. The most frequently cited reason for divorce is incompatibility or irreconcilable differences.
Each state has “fault” grounds which may be invoked in specific circumstances.
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If you have decided to file for divorce, you will need to fill out the appropriate legal paperwork. Our office uses powerful document-generation software to create filing packets in just a few minutes. You will need to include information about both parties, such as names, addresses, and contact information. After the paperwork is filled out, it will need to be filed with the court, and a filing fee will need to be paid. Once the paperwork is filed, the court will set a hearing date. At the hearing, the judge will make a decision about the divorce.
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Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas are all “equitable distribution” states, which means if you and your spouse can’t reach an agreement on your own, the court will step in and divide marital property and debts according to a wide range of factors, such as each spouse’s economic health and contributions to the marriage. The standard is not necessarily a neat 50-50 division, although that is generally the starting point for the division of assets and debts.
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After filing, there may be a waiting period before your divorce can be finalized. Depending on the circumstances and location of your divorce case, you may be required to wait for a different amount of time or take special classes before your divorce can be finalized.
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How long it takes to get a divorce depends heavily on the circumstances and parties involved. If there are no minor children, a divorce may be finalized quickly. However, most divorces are finalized in a matter of months, and litigation in highly contested divorce cases can take several years.
Issues Our Divorce Lawyers Resolve
Our well-regarded and well-versed divorce attorneys in Oklahoma and Arkansas can help you resolve a variety of family law matters related to your divorce, including:
Marital property division
Business and asset valuation
Spousal support (alimony)
Divorce mediation and settlements
Premarital agreements
Divorce appeals
There’s a lot riding on the outcome of your divorce case, and in many ways, your success hinges on your family law attorney’s grasp of the relevant legal issues and skill — both at the negotiation table and in the courtroom.
Tap Our Skills For Your High-Conflict, High-Asset, or Contested Divorce
If you’re embroiled in a particularly contentious divorce — or expect to be — our family law lawyers can provide the prompt personal attention, sage advice, and results-focused legal representation you need and deserve. We can also connect you with high-quality, third-party resources like counselors, private investigators, business valuators, and forensic accountants, and work with you and those professionals to craft a cohesive plan to achieve your legal goals.
Our experienced Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas divorce attorneys are here to answer any questions you may have.