What to Expect in a Divorce in Oklahoma City
Respected family law attorneys provide quality service throughout the process
If you’ve decided to dissolve your marriage, you’re probably facing a great deal of uncertainty. At Butler & Flynn, PLLC in Oklahoma City, we believe your divorce lawyer should be a steadying influence, providing reliable counsel when you need it. This way, you can make important decisions with confidence during a trying time. You should be sure that the qualified attorney you speak to during an initial consultation actually will be the person handling your case. We think you deserve professional legal counsel and service from start to finish, which is why we offer a free consultation where we outline what you can expect during the process.
What to expect as a client of a divorce lawyer
As a client, you have the right to demand legal representation that is:
- Respectful of you personally
- Conscious of costs and your scheduling needs
- Accessible and communicative
- Aggressive in defense of your rights
- Strategic when preparing for negotiations, mediation or litigation
At our firm, you can expect personalized service from an experienced attorney. We take the time to understand your situation in detail, so we can formulate the correct approach to resolving your divorce issues in a timely, economic manner. We provide frequent updates on progress and always return phone calls and emails as soon as possible.
What are the phases a divorce goes through?
Although no two divorces are exactly alike, there is a step-by-step process most divorcing spouses experience, which include the following phases:
- You or your spouse initiates the proceeding by filing a Complaint for divorce, or for legal separation. The other spouse then files a Response.
- The spouses execute temporary agreements to address issues such as spousal support, child custody, visitation, child support and financial matters. This framework governs these issues while the divorce is pending. In lieu of an agreement, the court can issue an order.
- The divorce moves into discovery, usually focusing on finances. In some cases, spouses can agree to be fully transparent regarding these concerns. However, you might wish to issue a formal request for records relating to assets, debts, retirement accounts, stocks and potentially hidden assets.
- Once you and your spouse have exchanged information, negotiation begins. You might also choose mediation before a qualified, neutral third party. The goal is to reach a marital settlement agreement on the major issues — child custody, support, visitation, alimony, and asset division — to avoid trial on those matters.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, unresolved issues proceed to trial before a judge.
- The trial may be the final phase, but a party might appeal an adverse ruling.
As your advocates, we seek to give you every strategic advantage during each phase of the divorce process.
How long does the divorce process typically take?
The length of a divorce depends on many factors. An uncontested divorce between cooperative spouses with a small estate can conclude within a few months. A highly contested divorce with complex finances and a fierce custody dispute can take more than a year.
What should you not do when getting a divorce?
Don’t try to figure things out on your own. Even if you are holding out hope for a reconciliation, it’s important to retain divorce counsel. After all, your spouse is moving forward, and delay can put you at a disadvantage. You might only get one chance to protect your rights and an early mistake could haunt you for years. For this reason alone, you should schedule an interview with a seasoned attorney at your earliest convenience.
Contact a dedicated Oklahoma divorce lawyer to schedule a free consultation
Butler & Flynn, PLLC represents Oklahoma residents in divorce proceedings and other family law matters. To make an appointment for a free consultation, please call 405-416-2711 or contact us online. We are located in Oklahoma City.
