Divorce is challenging, but Putnam Law Office in Oklahoma City can guide you through every step. Call 405-724-7701 for a confidential consultation today.
Divorce is more than a legal procedure. It is the restructuring of a life, a family, and a future. In Oklahoma City, divorce can touch nearly every aspect of daily living, from finances and property to parenting and emotional well-being. Choosing the right divorce attorney means selecting someone who understands both the law and the personal realities behind it.
Oklahoma’s divorce laws are built around fairness, family stability, and the protection of children’s best interests. But navigating those laws alone can be daunting—each decision, whether about assets, custody, or support, carries lasting consequences. Experienced Oklahoma City divorce attorneys and lawyers can help provide the stability and legal strategy needed to move forward confidently.
Putnam Law Office, led by Attorney Brian Putnam, serves clients throughout Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, offering disciplined representation grounded in integrity and compassion. As a decorated military veteran and lifelong Oklahoman, Brian Putnam brings focus, leadership, and local understanding to every case, helping clients face difficult transitions with clarity and strength.
Understanding Divorce in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma divorce law is governed primarily by Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes. These laws define the rights and obligations of both spouses during and after a marriage dissolution.
Residency and Filing Requirements
To file for divorce in Oklahoma:
- At least one spouse must have resided in the state for at least six months before filing.
- The petition must be filed in the county where either spouse has lived for 30 days.
Grounds for Divorce
Oklahoma allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces.
- No-Fault Divorce: One of the most common grounds is incompatibility, meaning the marriage has broken down beyond repair.
- Fault-Based Grounds: These include abandonment, adultery, cruelty, habitual drunkenness, imprisonment for a felony, or long-term insanity.
Waiting Periods
A person planning for divorce may take into account that:
- Divorces without minor children may be finalized after 10 days.
- Divorces with minor children typically require a 90-day waiting period, which the court may waive in cases of domestic violence or mutual agreement.
Key Considerations in Oklahoma Divorces
Every divorce involves the division of marital assets and debts, determination of child custody and visitation, establishment of child support, and sometimes alimony. Courts emphasize fairness and the welfare of children when issuing final decrees.
Whether a case is uncontested and straightforward or complex and contested, professional representation ensures that every right is protected and every requirement is met.
Common Divorce Issues in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s diverse economy and family structures create unique challenges during divorce. Local courts handle cases involving a wide range of individuals, from business owners and oilfield professionals to teachers, public employees, and military families.
Property and Asset Division
In Oklahoma, property and assets are divided under the equitable distribution principle. This means the court aims to split marital property in a fair, though not necessarily equal, way. When deciding how to divide property, the court may look at several key factors, including:
- Duration of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and earning potential
- Contributions made to the marriage, including homemaking or raising children
- Economic misconduct, such as hiding assets or excessive spending
Separate property (owned before marriage, or received as gifts or inheritance) usually remains with the original owner.
Child Custody and Parenting Time
Custody decisions are made according to the child’s best interests. Factors considered by the court include each parent’s involvement, ability to provide a stable home, emotional connection with the child, and any history of substance abuse or neglect.
Joint custody is common when both parents are cooperative and capable of shared decision-making.
Child Support
Oklahoma’s Child Support Guidelines calculate payments based on income, medical insurance, and childcare costs. Modifications may be requested when there is a significant change in income.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Alimony may be temporary or rehabilitative. The purpose is to balance income disparities and allow both spouses to maintain financial stability after divorce.
Each of these issues involves sensitive negotiations and legal precision areas where experienced divorce counsel provides vital protection and advocacy.
Divorce Options for Oklahoma Families
Every marriage and every divorce are different. Oklahoma law allows several paths for ending a marriage, depending on each couple’s situation.
Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses agree on all major issues, an uncontested divorce provides the most straightforward path. A joint settlement agreement is presented to the judge for approval, often avoiding hearings or lengthy litigation.
Benefits:
- Faster resolution
- Lower cost
- Privacy and reduced stress
Contested Divorce
If there is disagreement over property, custody, or support, the court intervenes. A contested case may require discovery, mediation, and possibly a trial.
When it applies:
- Complex finances
- Disputes over child custody
- Hidden assets or debt concerns
Mediated Divorce
Mediation uses a neutral third party to help spouses reach an agreement outside of court. It is often required before trial and encourages cooperation, especially when children are involved.
Collaborative Divorce
In a collaborative divorce, both spouses commit to resolving issues through open communication and transparency, with attorneys guiding the process. It avoids litigation and helps maintain respectful relationships, which are important for co-parenting.
Military Divorce
With Tinker Air Force Base nearby, many Oklahoma City families are involved with active-duty service members. These cases require careful attention to federal protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the division of military pensions.
The right approach depends on each family’s goals, communication level, and complexity of assets. A knowledgeable Oklahoma City divorce attorney or lawyer helps evaluate which process best supports those priorities.
How Putnam Law Office Guides Clients
Putnam Law Office can provide structured and transparent guidance throughout every phase of the divorce process. Clients receive support designed to balance emotional needs with practical legal strategy.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
Each case begins with a detailed review of financial documents, marital history, and family circumstances. Understanding these details helps identify strengths and anticipate challenges early on.
Tailored Legal Strategy
Different families require different solutions. Some need courtroom advocacy; others need diplomacy through mediation. The firm may develop approaches that protect both assets and family relationships.
Strong Representation in Court
When litigation is unavoidable, careful preparation is essential. Attorney Brian Putnam, founder of Putnam Law Office and a U.S. Army veteran, offers organized and focused representation in the Oklahoma County District Court and nearby jurisdictions.
Child-Focused Advocacy
Divorce can be especially difficult for children. Legal strategies emphasize stability, cooperation, and open communication between parents, prioritizing what serves each child’s best interest.
Clear Communication
Clients remain informed at every step. Legal concepts are explained in plain language, empowering individuals to make confident decisions.
Local Knowledge and Integrity
Born and raised in Del City, Brian Putnam’s connection to Oklahoma communities and understanding of local courts may provide unique advantages. His commitment to discipline and honesty guides the firm’s reputation as a trusted ally in times of challenge.
Putnam Law Office represents clients throughout Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Moore, and Yukon, helping families move from uncertainty to stability with professionalism and respect.
Divorce Process in Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma divorce process follows structured steps that vary depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested.
Step 1: Petition for Divorce
The process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in the Oklahoma County District Court or the appropriate local court.
Step 2: Service of Process
The other spouse must be officially notified through service of process unless both agree to sign a waiver.
Step 3: Temporary Orders
Temporary orders may establish custody, visitation, or financial arrangements during the case.
Step 4: Discovery and Disclosure
Both sides exchange financial information, including income, property, and debts. This ensures transparency and helps determine fair division.
Step 5: Mediation or Settlement Negotiation
Courts often require mediation before trial. Many disputes are resolved at this stage, allowing parties to create their own solutions rather than accept a court’s ruling.
Step 6: Trial (if necessary)
If the settlement is unsuccessful, the case will proceed to trial. The judge reviews evidence, hears testimony, and applies statutory factors to decide issues such as custody, support, and property division.
Step 7: Final Decree
The judge signs a final decree, which finalizes all rulings. Each party must comply with its terms, which become legally enforceable.
Step 8: Modification and Enforcement
If circumstances change, such as job loss, relocation, or a child’s evolving needs, either party may request modification. Noncompliance can result in contempt proceedings or wage garnishment through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS).
At Putnam Law Office, our team brings extensive experience with Oklahoma courts, judges, and procedural requirements. We are dedicated to efficiently guiding each case with meticulous attention to detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a divorce in Oklahoma?
Uncontested divorces without children may be finalized in 10 days. Cases involving children or disputes may take several months or longer.
Can a spouse stop a divorce in Oklahoma?
No. A spouse cannot stop a divorce in Oklahoma. The state allows one spouse to file for divorce and proceed even if the other spouse objects.
How is property divided in an Oklahoma divorce?
Property in an Oklahoma divorce is divided according to equitable distribution. This means marital property is divided fairly, rather than equally, based on various factors.
Can both parents share custody in Oklahoma?
Yes, both parents can share custody in Oklahoma. Courts favor joint custody when both parents can cooperate and act in the child’s best interest.
What happens if a spouse hides assets during a divorce in Oklahoma?
If a spouse hides assets during a divorce in Oklahoma, the court can impose penalties, reopen property division, or order restitution for the concealed assets.
Is alimony automatic in Oklahoma divorces?
Alimony is not automatic in Oklahoma divorces. The court awards alimony based on financial need, the length of the marriage, and the other spouse’s ability to pay.
Are divorce records public?
Most divorce records are public, but sensitive information may be sealed upon request for privacy.
Can mediation work if spouses disagree in Oklahoma divorces?
Mediation can work even if spouses disagree in Oklahoma divorces. Mediators help parties reach compromises, and many contested cases settle before trial.
What rights do military spouses have in an Oklahoma divorce?
Military spouses in Oklahoma retain rights to certain benefits and retirement accounts under federal law. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act also provides protections during active duty.
Why should I hire a local Oklahoma City divorce attorney?
Hiring a local Oklahoma City divorce attorney helps because they understand county court procedures, judges’ expectations, and local resources. Local attorneys provide both legal guidance and practical insight specific to Oklahoma families.
Local Resources and Community Support
Navigating divorce often requires both legal and emotional support. Oklahoma City offers numerous local resources that help families transition through these changes.
Courts and Legal Resources
Most cases in central Oklahoma are filed with the Oklahoma County District Court, located at 320 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Oklahoma City. Nearby jurisdictions include the Cleveland County Courthouse in Norman and the Canadian County Courthouse in El Reno.
For residents needing financial assistance, the statewide nonprofit Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma (LASO) provides free or low‑cost civil legal help, including divorce and custody matters. The Oklahoma Bar Association also offers a Lawyer Referral Service to connect individuals with qualified local attorneys.
Family and Counseling Support
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services offers Parent Education, Counseling, and Visitation services to help with parenting plans and co‑parenting when children are involved in a support case.
Parenting and Financial Guidance
For families dealing with child support and co‑parenting issues, OKDHS can assist with payment enforcement, supervising parenting education, and linking to service providers.
Community Commitment
Attorney Brian Putnam’s deep ties to Oklahoma communities inform his practice philosophy, which is built on service, transparency, and respect through his legal advocacy. That commitment extends beyond the courtroom, helping families rebuild on a foundation of strength and trust.
Call Putnam Law Office Today
Ending a marriage is never easy, but proper legal guidance can make the path forward more transparent and more secure. Whether facing a contested trial or seeking a cooperative resolution, sound counsel ensures that rights, property, and family relationships are protected under Oklahoma law.
Our team at the Putnam Law Office serves clients throughout Oklahoma City and the surrounding metro, providing disciplined and compassionate representation grounded in local experience. Attorney Brian Putnam, an Oklahoma native, approaches every case with the focus, integrity, and determination learned through years of service and leadership.
Divorce is a significant life change, but it does not have to define the future. Contact us by calling 405-724-7701 or completing our online contact form today for a confidential consultation with a dedicated Oklahoma City divorce attorney. Learn your legal options, protect what matters most, and take the first step toward rebuilding your next chapter with confidence and peace of mind.
