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Divorce is never easy. Whether amicable or contested, the process can be emotionally, mentally, and financially taxing. At Ball Morse Lowe, our experienced OKC divorce lawyers understand that one of the first questions our clients ask is: "How long does it take to get divorced in Oklahoma?"
The answer depends on several key factors, including whether the divorce is contested, whether children are involved, and how quickly both parties can reach an agreement. Let’s explore the typical timeline for divorce in Oklahoma and what you can expect throughout the process.
The Waiting Period in Oklahoma
Oklahoma law requires a mandatory waiting period before a divorce can be finalized:
- No children involved: A minimum of 10 days must pass from the time the divorce petition is filed.
- Children involved: There is a mandatory 90-day waiting period before the court can grant a final divorce decree.
However, these are just minimums. The actual time it takes to finalize your divorce depends on the complexity of your case and how cooperative both parties are.
Uncontested Divorce Timeline
If both spouses agree on all issues—property division, child custody, child support, alimony, etc.—this is known as an uncontested divorce. These cases are typically faster and more affordable.
General Timeline for Uncontested Divorce in Oklahoma:
- Filing the petition – Day 1
- Serving the other party – Within 1–2 weeks
- 10-day or 90-day waiting period – Depending on whether children are involved
- Final hearing and decree – Can occur shortly after the waiting period if all documents are in order
In total, an uncontested divorce in Oklahoma could be finalized in as little as two to three weeks (if no children are involved) or just over three months (if there are children), assuming no delays.
Contested Divorce Timeline
In a contested divorce, spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues. These cases take significantly longer, often six months to over a year, and sometimes longer if litigation is involved.
Key Phases of a Contested Divorce:
- Filing and Service – Filing the divorce petition and officially serving the other spouse.
- Temporary Orders Hearing – Either party may request temporary orders for child custody, support, or use of marital property.
- Discovery Phase – Both parties exchange information, documents, financials, and evidence.
- Mediation or Settlement Negotiations – The court may require mediation to resolve disagreements.
- Trial – If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
- Final Decree – After trial, the judge issues a divorce decree resolving all outstanding issues.
A skilled Oklahoma City family lawyer from Ball Morse Lowe can help guide you through this longer and more complex process.
Factors That Influence Divorce Timelines
Several elements can affect how quickly (or slowly) your divorce proceeds:
1. Children and Custody Issues
When children are involved, additional court requirements—such as parenting classes and custody evaluations—can extend the timeline.
2. Property and Debt Division
High-value assets, real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests can complicate property division and require appraisals or expert testimony.
3. Alimony or Spousal Support Disputes
Disagreements over spousal support can add months of negotiations or litigation to your divorce.
4. Court Availability
Oklahoma family court schedules vary by county and backlog. Even if both parties are ready, court hearing availability may delay finalization.
5. Cooperation Between Spouses
The more spouses cooperate and communicate, the faster the case moves forward. In contrast, high-conflict divorces often lead to prolonged legal battles.
Tips to Speed Up the Divorce Process
- Hire an experienced OKC divorce lawyer: Legal guidance helps prevent mistakes that cause delays.
- Gather documentation early: Collect bank statements, tax returns, mortgage documents, and other financial info before filing.
- Be open to negotiation: Mediation and compromise often lead to quicker and more favorable outcomes.
- Complete court requirements promptly: Parenting classes and financial disclosures should be handled quickly and thoroughly.
Why Work With Ball Morse Lowe?
At Ball Morse Lowe, we’re more than just divorce attorneys—we’re advocates for your future. Our experienced Oklahoma City family lawyers are committed to helping clients navigate this challenging transition with clarity and confidence.
Whether your divorce is uncontested and straightforward or involves complex financial and custody issues, our team is prepared to offer strategic guidance every step of the way.
We Offer:
- Personalized legal advice
- Transparent communication
- Strong courtroom advocacy
- Mediation and settlement support
- Full-service representation for custody, support, alimony, and asset division
Contact Us Today
If you’re thinking about divorce or have questions about your options, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. At Ball Morse Lowe, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today at 405.701.5355 to schedule a consultation and discover how our experienced OKC divorce lawyers can help you move forward with confidence.
Our team at Ball Morse Lowe is ready to assist you in making informed decisions, whether your case is straightforward or more complex. Take the first step toward a new chapter with the support of trusted legal professionals by your side.
