The Average Cost of Divorce in Oklahoma

The average cost of a divorce in Oklahoma can vary depending on factors such as attorney fees, court fees, and the complexity of the case. According to an analysis by LegalConsumer.com, the average cost of an uncontested divorce in Oklahoma ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, while a contested divorce can cost significantly more, potentially exceeding $10,000.

In this article, we will explore the various factors that influence divorce costs in Oklahoma. Additionally, we will examine the average costs associated with uncontested and contested divorces, the fees for hiring a lawyer, and options available for those who cannot afford attorney fees.

What Factors Influence Oklahoma Divorce Costs?

The divorce expenses may vary depending on several factors. It is necessary to consider them in advance to understand what to expect in terms of money spent on the divorce process. Let’s discuss them one by one.

1) Type of Divorce

In Oklahoma, the price of a divorce depends greatly on whether it is contested or not.

Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on all issues of marriage termination, tend to be less expensive than contested cases with disagreements over child custody, division of assets, spousal support, etc.

In uncontested cases, the costs primarily revolve around filing fees, legal help with document preparation, and any additional services required, such as calculating child support.

On the other hand, contested divorces often require extensive legal negotiations, the involvement of third-party experts such as financial evaluators or child custody specialists, and lengthy court battles, resulting in higher legal fees.

2) Legal Assistance

Another crucial factor influencing how much a divorce can cost is the involvement of legal professionals.

Though hiring a divorce lawyer in Oklahoma is usually expensive, it is highly recommended in contested divorces. Legal representation helps to ensure that your rights and interests are protected. The complexity of the case, the number of contested issues to resolve, and the time required to work on the divorce will affect the overall price of a lawyer’s services.  

It is reasonable to contact several lawyers in advance to find out the approximate price your divorce may cost and choose a suitable professional for your case.

3) The Location of Filing

Counties in Oklahoma have filing fees ranging from $180 to $250 on average. It is better to clarify the amount to pay beforehand with a court clerk in the county where you will start your divorce.

Additionally, the local court procedures can differ, potentially leading to minor variations in legal costs. Also, the price of a lawyer’s assistance depends on the location of their practice. There may be significant differences in fees charged by lawyers in big cities and small towns or rural areas.

4) Child Custody and Support

Determining children’s best interests and establishing appropriate custody arrangements can result in extensive negotiations and numerous court hearings, leading to higher expenses. Spouses often seek help from legal professionals, such as divorce attorneys or family lawyers, who can provide guidance and represent their clients during legal proceedings.

Moreover, calculating child support payments may require the assistance of financial professionals, further adding to the overall divorce costs.

5) Marital Assets and Case Complexity

Dividing assets, such as real estate, retirement accounts, businesses, and investments, requires meticulous evaluation. It is often necessary to involve experts such as forensic accountants or real estate appraisers to properly assess the value of assets and ensure their fair distribution. Of course, paying for such services contributes significantly to the divorce price.  

The Average Cost of Uncontested Divorce

The average cost of an uncontested divorce in Oklahoma can range from $500 to $3000 or more, depending on whether spouses hire lawyers. If both parties agree on all divorce-related issues, the cost of divorce is usually moderate compared to that of contested cases.

No-fault divorce cost in Oklahoma can be up to $500 if the parties have reached a mutual agreement and choose a do-it-yourself divorce option. In this case, they can prepare documents on their own or contact online divorce services for help. The involvement of lawyers is optional.

The Average Cost of Contested Divorce

The average cost of a contested divorce in Oklahoma can range from $5000 to $10000 or more. The price depends on:

• lawyer’s fees,
• court fees, including filling, serving of the spouse, involvement of third-party experts during hearings, etc.,
• expert witness fees (if necessary).

The number of disputed issues and the overall duration of the divorce process greatly contribute to the high expenses on the contested divorce.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, divorce lawyers charge an hourly fee that ranges from $250 to $500 or more, and the overall price for their services can reach several thousand dollars. Some lawyers may also offer flat fee arrangements for uncontested divorces, making the total expenses more predictable.

Lawyer’s fees usually depend on:

• The location where an attorney practices
• Professional expertise and experience in the field
• Reputation and the overall number of successfully completed cases.

Remember that the outcome of your divorce can have long-lasting implications on various aspects of your life, such as asset division, child custody, and financial support. If you want to hire a lawyer based solely on their low fees, there are other factors besides the price to consider. Though more expensive, a skilled and knowledgeable divorce lawyer is likely to better understand the intricacies of family law. They can provide valuable advice, advocate for your rights and interests, and navigate the complexities of the legal process.

What if I Cannot Afford the Attorney’s Fee?

In Oklahoma, you have the right to represent yourself in court pro se, saving money on attorney’s fees.

However, dealing with the divorce completely on your own can lead to mistakes in the paperwork and potentially unfavorable outcomes of your divorce. It is possible that your expectations will not be fulfilled, or the property will be divided unfairly, etc. An uncontested case may even become contested, leading to high costs. In complex divorce proceedings, having professional legal guidance is advisable.

If hiring a lawyer is financially challenging, there are several options on how to proceed:

• You may address legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to individuals who meet specific income criteria.
• You may contact pro bono services, where lawyers provide free legal representation.
• If you can agree with your spouse on all aspects of your divorce, consider online divorce services, which help prepare the necessary legal documents and offer step-by-step instructions on how to file them. This option is more cost-effective than hiring a lawyer since prices usually range from $139 to $200.
• Pay attention to family law clinics operated by law schools, where law students work under the supervision of experienced attorneys and may offer legal assistance at a reduced cost.

Filing Fees for Divorce in Oklahoma

On average, to file for divorce in Oklahoma, you should pay filing fees that range from $180 to $250, depending on the county.

If you need assistance with serving the divorce papers to the other party, you may hire a process server in OKC. The cost of hiring this professional can vary; it typically starts at around $100 and can go up to $200 or more, depending on the specific circumstances.

The Cost of Divorce in Oklahoma – The Bottom Line

To sum up, the average divorce price in Oklahoma can vary based on many factors, such as the number of disputed issues to resolve or the need for legal representation.

Uncontested divorces usually cost from $1000 to $3000, while expenses on contested cases can range from several thousand to ten thousand dollars or even more.

Hiring a divorce lawyer in Oklahoma is usually one of the main reasons why getting a divorce is so expensive. Attorneys’ fees range from $250 to $500 or more per hour.

However, those who cannot afford attorney fees and want to file for a cheap uncontested divorce in Oklahoma can represent themselves pro se or seek assistance from legal aid organizations and online divorce services.