8 Things You Need to Know Before Seeking Divorce
The process of obtaining a divorce is not easy for everyone. A transition like this can be easy or challenging depending on various factors like grounds for divorce, child custody decisions, alimony, and whether you and your spouse disagree on certain legal issues. Disagreements are what often lead to complications and concerns about future finances after the divorce. There are 8 things you should become familiar with before attempting a divorce that can better prepare you for what to come. If you have further questions, consult with an Oklahoma Divorce Lawyer.
The Prerequisites of Divorce
- Check Your Grounds for Marriage
Some people may be considered not legally married without realizing it. Check to see what constitutes a marriage to make sure. Are you and your spouse 18 years or older? Have you shared last names, raised children, or filed income tax returns together? The judge will determine if you were married based on these standards.
- Check Your Grounds for Divorce
You also have to meet the grounds for divorce. A 
divorce can be filed in Oklahoma if your spouse abandoned you for 12 months, committed adultery, was or is intoxicated regularly, has experienced impotence, is guilty of a fraudulent contract, displayed extreme cruelty, failed to provide adequate income, or was imprisoned for a felony. Insanity is also a reason but must last 5 years.
- Collect all Needed Documents
The divorce proceeding cannot start without submission of all the relevant documents needed for a complete Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. A lawyer can guide you in filling out additional required documents.
- Figure Out the Type of Divorce
The three main types of divorce are uncontested, contested, and default. Which one you qualify for depends on how much you and your spouse agree. Uncontested means there is agreement, contested means there is disagreement, and default is when your spouse does not respond to the divorce petition.
- Decide Whether to Hire a Lawyer
You may want to hire a lawyer if the divorce is uncontested or in default. Your spouse has likely already done so and going up against another lawyer alone can be risky.
Consider Future Costs and Consequences
- Prepare for Child Custody Decisions
If you do not have children, skip this section. If you do have children and there are disagreements, prepare mentally for what could happen with child custody, visitation, and child support court orders. There are ways you may be able to obtain the order you want but talk to a lawyer for more information.
- Attempt Mediation
If you are concerned about disagreements, you can see a mediator. Mediators are trained to help divorcing couples come to an agreement contract by using techniques to deescalate conflict and encourage compromise.
- Prepare for Financial Difficulties
Property and debt divisions are also part of the divorce process. Talking with a lawyer may help prevent you from losing a lot of money or property that you yourself earned.
Oklahoma Family Attorney
The long legal process of a divorce can be overwhelming for many people. If you are concerned about potential outcomes, try consulting with an Oklahoma Family Lawyer about your options and what you can do. Contact the Putnam Law Office at (405)-849-9149 for a consultation today. Mr. Putnam is an Oklahoma City, OK attorney who is dedicated to his clients.
