Divorce is never easy. The breakup of a relationship, child custody disputes, and disagreements over property and future income are among the toughest challenges life can bring.

If your marriage is destined for divorce in Oklahoma, don't let anyone tell you that you don't need a lawyer. Divorce causes fear, doubt and suspicion. Otherwise agreeable spouses are often become manipulative, and will try to convince you that you don't need an attorney. Don't listen to them. They are only trying to protect themselves. Your future is at stake. Consult an Oklahoma lawyer.

You are not alone. According to recent studies, more than 50 percent of today's marriages will end in divorce. It is during this tough time that you need a friend; a true friend who is genuinely interested in the future well-being of you and those whom you love. You need a friend who knows how to protect you; someone who will make it their business to see that you get all you need and all you deserve.

If you find yourself needing a friend who knows the law, and understands what you are going through, then you owe it to yourself to find an Oklahoma Divorce Lawyer.

If you need a lawyer contact Affiliated Legal Services, Inc. at 405-605-3704 for a free initial consultation.

 If you don't contact the Law Office, contact a lawyer to protect yourself.

Oklahoma - An Overview
Contemplating divorce is always difficult. Involving a knowledgeable Oklahoma family law attorney as soon as possible in the divorce process is one of the best ways to preserve your own long-term financial and emotional health.

Grounds for Divorce
A divorce is a method of terminating a marriage contract between two individuals. In Oklahoma, divorce can either be "no fault" or fault-based. No fault divorce is a marital termination proceeding where the divorce is granted without either party being required to show fault (show that the other party caused the breakdown of the marriage). Under no fault rules, either party may obtain a divorce, even if the other spouse does not consent to the divorce. Married people can get a no fault divorce if their marriage has become "insupportable" or if the couple has been living apart for three years.

Oklahoma divorces can also be fault-based, requiring one person to give a legal reason in order to get a divorce. In Oklahoma, divorces can be granted on the grounds of (1) adultery; (2) abandonment; (3) incurable insanity; (4) felony conviction and imprisonment; or (5) cruel and inhuman treatment. Typically, a fault-based divorce is pursued if one party wants the court to consider the conduct of the other party when deciding on how the property of the parties should be divided. Our firm can help you determine if you should pursue a fault based or no fault based divorce.

Contested Divorce
Before a divorce may be granted, there are usually five basic issues that must be resolved. They are:

1. Alimony or spousal support;
2. Property division;

and, if there are children:

3. Custody;
4. Visitation; and
5. Child support.

If a divorcing couple agrees on all five of these issues in writing, they will be granted an uncontested divorce and avoid adversarial divorce litigation.

If there is disagreement, however, the divorce is contested, which means it may end up in trial before a judge or jury, or in another form of dispute resolution. It is important to consult with an attorney before deciding which method is right for your situation.

Divorce litigation involves a series of document exchanges and court appearances. In some instances there are questions or situations that need to be temporarily resolved before the final divorce agreement is reached or ordered by the court. Temporary orders on support, custody or other matters generally remain in effect until the final decision is made at the end of the divorce process. Ultimately, there will be a trial if a settlement hasn't been reached. Witnesses may include friends, financial experts, psychologists, as well as other types of evidence including financial records. The judge's final decision provides the court's rulings on all the issues raised by the parties.

Alimony, Spousal Support & Maintenance
Alimony, also known in Oklahoma as maintenance, is financial support paid by one spouse to another. In Oklahoma, a court only awards maintenance in certain limited circumstances. If the court finds maintenance should be awarded, the appropriate amount will be determined by the court based on the factors set forth in the Oklahoma Family Code.

Division of Property
Oklahoma uses the "community property" system to distribute marital assets between divorcing spouses. Property acquired by either spouse during the marriage is community property to be divided upon divorce. Under Oklahoma law, the division of property does not have to be equal. The courts are only required to divide the community property between the parties "in a manner that the court claims just and right, having due regard for the rights of each party and any children of the marriage." If either spouse acquired property outside of the state, a court can also divide that property using community property rules if they divorce in Oklahoma. Individual spouses may also own separate property that is treated differently under the legal rules. Because classification of property and its division can become one of the most contentious issues in a divorce, you need the advice and assistance of a family law attorney familiar with Oklahoma family laws and procedures.

Conclusion
Reaching the decision to end a marriage is enormously difficult. Once you do make the decision it is in your best interest to approach the divorce process from a rational, businesslike perspective, which is extraordinarily difficult given the emotional issues with which you must also cope. Working with a Oklahoma attorney who is experienced in family law will ease your stress and help you get through the process to begin your new life.