What is a Contested Divorce in Oklahoma and How Can it Impact Divorce Proceedings?

Contested Divorce

If you’re going through a divorce in Oklahoma and you and your spouse can’t agree on major issues like property division, child custody, or alimony, your case may become what’s called a “contested divorce.” That means the court will have to step in and make decisions for you. So what exactly is a contested divorce, and how does it affect the divorce process in Oklahoma? Here’s what you need to know. What Does “Contested Divorce” Really Mean? A contested divorce happens when one or both spouses disagree… Read More

Can I get Temporary Alimony in My Oklahoma Divorce?

Temporary Alimony

If you’re going through a divorce in Oklahoma, you may wonder whether you’re eligible for temporary alimony. Oklahoma law allows courts to award temporary spousal support—also called pendente lite alimony—while the divorce is pending. This support can help one spouse cover basic living expenses until after the court finalizes the divorce. What Is Temporary Alimony? Temporary alimony is a short-term financial award that the court orders to help a financially dependent spouse during the divorce process. Unlike other types of alimony, this type of support is only… Read More

How Do I Modify Alimony in Oklahoma?

Modify Alimony

If you’re paying (or receiving) alimony in Oklahoma and your circumstances look very different from when the divorce decree was entered, you may be wondering whether the court will adjust the amount—or end payments altogether. The good news: it’s possible to modify alimony in many situations. The caution: not all “alimony” is modifiable, and Oklahoma law has specific rules, deadlines, and procedures you must follow. Start With Your Divorce Decree: What Kind of “Alimony” Do You Have? Oklahoma decrees often include two very different financial components: support… Read More

What Happens If I Miss an Alimony Payment?

Miss an Alimony Payment

If you miss an alimony payment, it can come with serious legal consequences. Alimony—also called spousal support—is often ordered as part of a divorce decree in Oklahoma. Once the court orders you to make alimony payments, those payments are legally enforceable. Whether you’re paying or receiving alimony, it’s important to understand what happens when payments aren’t made and what options exist to enforce or modify the order. Alimony Is a Court Order In Oklahoma, alimony is based on what the judge believes is equitable given the circumstances… Read More

What Does It Mean If The Family Court Garnishes My Wages?

Prepare Financially For Divorce

If you’re part of a child support or spousal support case in Oklahoma and receive notice that the court is going to garnish your wages, it can be confusing and stressful. Wage garnishment is a legal process where the court orders your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to the person you owe money to—usually a custodial parent or former spouse. Why the Court Garnishes Wages Family court judges order wage garnishment to ensure that court-ordered support obligations are paid consistently. If… Read More

What Does it Mean to be in Contempt of Court?

Contempt of Court

If you’re involved in a legal case in Oklahoma, you may hear the term “contempt of court.” Being held in contempt is serious. It means a judge believes you violated a court order or disrespected the court’s authority, which can lead to fines, jail time, or other penalties. Understanding what it means to be in contempt of court can help you avoid costly mistakes and take the right steps to protect your rights. Types of Contempt in Oklahoma In Oklahoma, there are two primary types of contempt:… Read More

What Happens if I Miss a Child Support Payment?

Miss a Child Support Payment

If you miss a child support payment in Oklahoma, it can have serious legal and financial consequences. Whether the missed payment is the result of a temporary hardship or an ongoing issue, it’s important to understand your rights, responsibilities, and what steps the state may take to enforce child support orders. This article explains what can happen if you fall behind on child support and what you can do to address the situation. Child Support Is a Court Order When a judge orders child support in Oklahoma—either… Read More

What Should Be in a Parenting Plan in Oklahoma?

What Goes in a Parenting Plan

We often get questions about what exactly goes in a parenting plan. If you’re going through a divorce or custody case in Oklahoma, you’ll likely be required to submit a parenting plan to the court. A well-crafted parenting plan outlines how separated or divorced parents will share responsibilities for raising their child. It reduces confusion, sets expectations, and helps protect the best interests of the child. But what exactly should go into a parenting plan? Here’s what Oklahoma courts typically look for—and what you should consider including…. Read More

What is a Parenting Plan in Oklahoma?

Parenting Plan

If you’re involved in a divorce or child custody case in Oklahoma, you’ll likely hear the term “parenting plan.” But what is it, and why does it matter? A parenting plan is a detailed, court-approved agreement that outlines how two parents will share custody and responsibilities for their child after a separation or divorce. In Oklahoma, parenting plans are a key part of any custody order and are mandatory when courts award joint custody. What Does a Parenting Plan Include? A well-drafted Oklahoma parenting plan addresses more… Read More

What is the Difference Between Child Neglect and Child Abuse?

Child Neglect and Child Abuse

When a child is reported to be in danger, the terms child abuse and child neglect are often used. While both are serious concerns under Oklahoma law, they are not the same. Each has specific legal definitions, consequences, and procedures for investigation and prosecution. Understanding the difference between neglect and abuse is essential if you are part of child welfare case—whether as a parent, family member, educator, or caregiver. What Is Child Abuse in Oklahoma? Child abuse is defined as the willful or malicious harm or threatened… Read More