How a No-Contest Clause in a Prenup Affects Divorce Proceedings

No-Contest Clause in a Prenup

A no-contest clause in a prenup can have an effect on divorce proceedings. Prenuptial agreements (or “prenups”) are legal contracts couples sign before marriage to outline how property, debts, and other issues will be handled if the marriage ends. Some prenups include a no-contest clause, which is designed to discourage either spouse from challenging the agreement later. But how does such a clause affect divorce proceedings in Oklahoma? What Is a No-Contest Clause in a Prenup? A no-contest clause (sometimes called an “in terrorem clause”) states that if one spouse… Read More

What Can I Do To Prepare Financially For Divorce?

Prepare Financially For Divorce

Working to prepare financially for divorce can help protect your interests, reduce stress, and make sure you’re in the best possible position when finalizing the divorce. In Oklahoma, taking proactive financial steps before and during divorce can make a significant difference in your future stability. 1. Gather Financial Records Before filing for divorce, collect copies of all important financial documents, including: Having this information organized makes it easier to understand your marital estate and ensures nothing is overlooked during property division. 2. Understand Your Assets and Debts… Read More

Child Custody Jurisdiction in Oklahoma: How Long Does The Child Need To Live In The State?

Child Custody Jurisdiction

For a State to be able to enter an order for custody and visitation of a child, the State of Oklahoma must have jurisdiction. Under Moving to the State by itself is not enough but rather other conditions must be satisfied. Oklahoma law (aligned with the UCCJEA), one of the following must be true for the state to have jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination: Summary Table Scenario Requirement Explanation Child ≥6-month residency in OK 6 consecutive months Oklahoma automatically has jurisdiction as the home… Read More

What are Some Special Considerations for a High Asset Divorce?

High Asset Divorce

A high asset divorce involves unique financial, legal, and personal considerations that require careful planning and experienced legal guidance. Divorce is often complex, but when substantial wealth and property are involved, the process becomes even more challenging. Understanding your options and the legal requirements can help simplify the process and avoid costly mistakes. What Is a High Asset Divorce? A high asset divorce typically involves one or both spouses owning: These cases often involve millions of dollars in assets and require special attention to valuation and division. Special Considerations… Read More

What Should be in a Divorce Decree and When Will the Court Issue it?

Divorce Decree

A divorce decree is the official court order that finalizes your divorce. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of each party and legally ends the marriage. Understanding what should be in a divorce decree and when the court will issue it can help you navigate the divorce process in Oklahoma more confidently. What Is a Divorce Decree? A divorce decree is a binding legal document issued by the court at the end of your divorce case. It records the court’s decisions on all matters related to… Read More

What are the Residency Requirements to File for Divorce in Oklahoma?

Residency Requirements

Residency requirements are a lesser known criteria of the divorce process. When considering divorce in Oklahoma, one of the first questions many people ask is where they can file their case. Before the court can hear your divorce, you must meet certain residency requirements. These rules make sure Oklahoma has the legal authority—known as jurisdiction—to handle your case. How Oklahoma Law Handles Residency Under 43 O.S. § 102, at least one spouse must have lived in Oklahoma for six months before filing for divorce. This residency can… Read More

How Will Divorce Impact My Credit Score?

Divorce Impact Credit Score

Divorce changes many aspects of life, from family routines to finances, but one area often overlooked during the process is your credit score. While the act of getting a divorce does not directly lower your credit score, the financial consequences of divorce can have a significant impact if not handled carefully. Divorce Itself Does Not Affect Your Score Credit reporting agencies do not treat divorce as a negative event on your credit report. There is no category for “divorce” that lowers your score automatically. Instead, any changes… Read More

Military Divorce in Oklahoma: Unique Challenges and Legal Considerations

Military Divorce

Divorce is rarely simple, but when one or both spouses are in the military, additional laws and circumstances come into play. A military divorce in Oklahoma requires navigating both state divorce laws and specific federal regulations that protect service members and their families. How Is a Military Divorce Different? Military divorces involve all the same issues as civilian divorces—property division, child custody, support, and alimony—but certain unique factors add complexity: Residency and Where to File In Oklahoma, you can generally file for divorce if: For families constantly… Read More

Can I Change My Name During a Divorce?

Change Name During Divorce

We often get questions about whether or not it’s possible to change your name during a divorce. Divorce is not just the end of a marriage—it is often the start of a new chapter in life. For many people, that means choosing to return to their maiden name or adopting a different legal name altogether. In Oklahoma, the divorce process provides a straightforward opportunity to request a name change. Can You Change Your Name as Part of a Divorce? Oklahoma law allows you to request a name… Read More

How Does a No-Fault Divorce Work in Oklahoma?

No-Fault Divorce

Divorce is never easy, but Oklahoma law allows couples to end their marriage without assigning blame through a no-fault divorce. This option can simplify the process, reduce conflict, and make it easier to move forward. Here’s what you need to know about how this type of divorce works in Oklahoma. What Is a No-Fault Divorce? In a no-fault divorce, neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing by the other. Instead, one spouse only needs to claim that the marriage has become “irretrievably broken” or that there are “irreconcilable… Read More