We often get questions about how long it will take to finalize a divorce. The answer depends on several factors, including whether you and your spouse agree on major issues and whether there are children. While it may be possible to finalize a divorce in just a few weeks, others take several months or more to finalize. Below is a breakdown of what to expect.
Oklahoma’s Mandatory Waiting Periods
Oklahoma law sets minimum waiting periods before you can finalize a divorce:
- 10 days if you have no minor children
- 90 days if you and your spouse have minor children together
The 90-day waiting period may be waived by the court for good cause, such as mutual agreement or situations involving domestic violence, but such waivers are not guaranteed.
Uncontested Divorce Timeline
An uncontested divorce—where both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, custody, child support, and alimony—can move quickly once the required waiting period is over.
- Without children: Can be finalized as soon as 10 days after filing
- With children: Usually takes about 3 to 4 months, depending on how quickly parenting classes are completed and whether a waiver is granted
In these cases, much of the timeline depends on how quickly the parties submit paperwork and how busy the local court docket is.
Contested Divorce Timeline
A contested divorce—where spouses cannot agree on key terms—typically takes much longer. The court may need to hold hearings on temporary orders, oversee discovery, schedule mediation, and possibly conduct a trial.
Contested divorces in Oklahoma usually take:
- 6 months to over a year from the date of filing
- More time if the case involves complex assets, custody disputes, or multiple hearings
The availability of court dates and cooperation between spouses also play a major role in how long the process takes.
Final Decree of Divorce
The divorce is final when the judge signs the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. This document outlines the division of assets and debts, custody and visitation arrangements, child support, and any spousal support. Once signed and filed with the court, the divorce becomes legally binding.
Tulsa Divorce Attorneys
We help families through every step of the divorce process, from the time you file until you finalize it. Whether your case is simple and amicable or more complex and contested, we will work to resolve it as efficiently and fairly as possible. If you’re filing for divorce, Tulsa Family Lawyers Group can help. Call us at 918-742-3555 or click here to ask an online legal question.
