How to Fill Out Divorce Papers in Oklahoma

Filling out divorce paperwork is the first step to getting a divorce.

A divorce can be one of the most difficult thing anyone ever has to go through. Getting a divorce in Oklahoma can make you sad, however the divorce paperwork does not have to be the most difficult part of the process. Filling out the divorce paperwork is just one step to getting a divorce, but knowing how to fill out the paperwork correctly will save you time and money. The state of Oklahoma requires that you fill out all of the divorce paperwork completely and honestly.

Instructions

1. Gather all the information you need to fill out the forms. You will need both spouses' Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and information on where both parties are living. You also will need to cite the reason for a divorce. If you have any physical evidence for the grounds of divorce, you will need to attach the evidence to the paperwork as well.

2. Go to your local circuit county courthouse. The State of Oklahoma court website has a link that shows where all the courthouses in Oklahoma are located (see References). Choose the circuit county courthouse closest to you, and go there to pick up your divorce paperwork.

3. Obtain a copy of the dissolution of marriage paperwork. You will need one that is with or without children, depending on your circumstances. You also will need a financial affidavit form. Obtain a notice to serve form, so that you can notify your spouse of the divorce. The Oklahoma courts require the financial affidavit to be filled out when you file for divorce.

4. Fill out the divorce paperwork, the financial affidavit and the notice to serve. Do not leave anything blank, because the Oklahoma court system frowns on it. The top of the paperwork has the court case name and the space for a docket number. If you know the docket number of your case, fill it out on every page. If you do not know the docket number, fill out the court case name on the top of every page. This keeps the courts from misplacing paperwork. You also may ask the court clerks what a question on the form means, but remember, the court clerks are not allowed to give out any legal advice.

5. Find legal low cost or no cost legal assistance via the Oklahoma Bar Association (see References). Legal assistance is often necessary to fill out divorce paperwork for divorce cases that involve children or property division.

6. Create copies of any divorce paperwork that you have filled out before you file it. This ensures that you have copies for your records in case anything happens to the paperwork at the courthouse. File the divorce paperwork with the Oklahoma circuit court and contact a sheriff to serve your spouse's paperwork to him.

Tips & Warnings

• Use blue or black ink when you fill out the paperwork. This ensures that copiers and court clerks can read the paperwork easier. You also may type the divorce paperwork.

References

• The Oklahoma State Courts Network
• The Oklahoma Bar Association : Low Cost or No Cost Legal Assistance
• Woman's Divorce: Oklahoma Divorce Resources
• Justia.com: Oklahoma Statutes, Title 43, Marriage and Family