Resolving Divorce Difficulties In Oklahoma
Is your contested divorce or dissolution of marriage being held up by a dispute over child custody, alimony or property division? If this situation describes yours, the experienced, caring family law and divorce attorney who works hard for practical, lasting solutions to your legal crisis is Lily Debrah Cruickshank – founder of Lily Debrah Cruickshank & Associates, PLLC, in Oklahoma City.
A person’s first trip to visit a lawyer can feel overwhelming. Lily Debrah Cruickshank’s personal warmth and direct approach to your issues take the intimidation out of your journey through the legal process at a difficult time in your life. From start to finish, you receive prompt and honest answers to your questions, comfort for your concerns and advocacy that gets results if your legal matter must go to a courtroom.
Basic Steps To File For Divorce In Oklahoma
Filing for divorce in Oklahoma involves several key steps. First, one spouse must meet the state’s residency requirements. Once residency is established, the divorce process follows these steps:
- File a petition for dissolution of marriage in the district court of the county where one spouse resides.
- Serve the petition to the other spouse, giving them an opportunity to respond.
- Negotiate key issues like property division, child custody and support.
- Proceed as uncontested if both parties agree on the terms.
- Go to trial if disputes remain unresolved.
If both parties can agree on all issues, the divorce may proceed uncontested, saving time and reducing costs. However, if disputes arise, the court will step in to resolve them, potentially leading to a trial.
Types Of Divorce: Which One Is Right For You?
In Oklahoma, there are several types of divorce, and choosing the right one depends on your situation. An uncontested divorce is ideal when both spouses agree on all major issues, such as alimony, property division and child custody. This type of divorce is often quicker and less expensive.
In contrast, a contested divorce arises when the parties cannot agree, requiring court intervention to resolve disputes. Mediation is another option, where a neutral mediator helps both sides reach a compromise without a lengthy court battle. Oklahoma also handles specialized divorces, including military divorces, which have unique rules regarding benefits and deployments, and same-sex divorces, which address specific legal considerations.
Each type of divorce has its advantages, and working with an experienced attorney helps ensure you select the best approach for your situation.
The Residency Requirements For Oklahoma Divorces
To file for divorce in Oklahoma, one of the spouses must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing. Additionally, the spouse who files must have resided in the specific county where the divorce is being sought for at least 30 days. Failing to meet these residency requirements can delay or prevent your divorce from proceeding, so it’s essential to confirm eligibility early on.
Leading You Through Divorce With Compassion, Experience And Dedication
Our full-service family law firm’s caring founder provides legal knowledge, sound guidance, solid support and individualized attention for your:
- Uncontested or contested divorce
- Custody and visitation
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Property distribution
- High-asset divorce
- Legal separation
- Divorce for military families
Is increased access to your child the main goal in your divorce? Are you seeking an appropriate level of child support or spousal support? Do you want to recoup your financial investment in your marriage by recovering assets you collected during your relationship? Lily Debrah Cruickshank’s leadership skills are versatile enough to handle any and all of those issues.
Reach Out Today For Caring Assistance
Contact her Oklahoma City law office today to arrange your initial consultation. In-person and virtual appointments are available. You can call locally at 405-694-4309 or toll-free at 866-383-1814, or you can send us an email and your email message will be responded to promptly. For your convenience, we can meet you either in person or virtually.