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Divorce

Experienced Oklahoma City Divorce Lawyers Pursue Just Outcomes

Committed Oklahoma attorneys work to achieve fair property divisions and parenting arrangements

Decisions made during the breakup of a marriage have lasting implications for each spouse, so it is important to have a trusted legal team looking out for your best interests. The divorce attorneys at Denker & Zuhdi, PLLC in Oklahoma City devote personalized and professional attention to every client. We will listen to your needs and concerns and work to obtain optimal results concerning such issues as property division, spousal support and child support and custody.

Dedicated counselors help clients navigate dissolution of marriage

In Oklahoma, the amount of time it takes to dissolve a marriage depends in part on how easily spouses come to agreement on such issues as property and debt division, each parent’s child custody rights and whether either spouse will pay spousal support or child support. The divorce may go one of two ways:

  • Uncontested — When a couple can work out agreements for all the key issues involved, they can file for a “waiver divorce.” If the waiver is approved, the divorce may be finalized as quickly as within 10 days for couples without children and within 90 days for couples with children.
  • Contested — When couples are at a standstill on important issues even after trying to find common ground, the divorce is “contested” and will require a court hearing. Each spouse asks the court for the terms he or she wants and presents evidence in support. A judge considers the arguments and evidence and makes a decision based on state law.

There are 12 grounds for divorce recognized in Oklahoma but the most common is based “incompatibility” — also known as a “no fault” divorce. Fault-based grounds, such as adultery, abandonment or extreme cruelty, are rarely used.

Some couples choose legal separation as an alternative to divorce. The spouses remain legally married but live separately. This can allow one spouse to stay on the other’s health insurance and also gives the couple time to decide if the marriage is truly over. As with a divorce, spousal support and child custody and support may be part of the separation order. A legally separated person cannot remarry without getting a divorce.

Thorough lawyers work to settle disputes over marital assets and debts

Most property or debts acquired by either spouse during a marriage are legally considered “marital” and subject to equitable distribution under Oklahoma law. Property that either spouse owned before the marriage is usually deemed “separate” property that is exempt from distribution. However, there are exceptions to both of these general rules. For example, an inheritance or gift to one spouse during the marriage is considered separately owned.

“Equitable” means just and reasonable but not always equal. A court looks at the full picture of a couple’s marriage when deciding which property rightfully belongs to whom. Each spouse’s financial and homemaking contributions to the marriage are considered. The distribution also accounts for each spouse’s ability to work and whether either spouse’s actions increased or decreased the worth of marital property. Based on all relevant factors, a judge may decide it is fair to award one spouse more than half of the marital net worth.

Whenever possible, it is advisable for divorcing spouses to agree on an equitable distribution plan rather than having the court impose one. Our family law attorneys have achieved many favorable property division agreements outside of court.

Contact accomplished Oklahoma City divorce lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation

At Denker & Zuhdi, PLLC, we strive to resolve divorces as efficiently as possible with a view to achieving the most just and favorable outcome for our clients. To learn more about how our qualified attorneys can help you, call our Oklahoma City office at 405-946-5533 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.

Testimonials
  • "They always provided reliable and thorough work, and consistently provides a quick response. As a solid business partner, the firm handles our legal needs for corporate contracts and real estate acquisitions, but also handles family matters and is invested in my business as more than just another customer. I know that any time I have legal needs, I can rely on the firm to provide efficient, outstanding results." - –David Ross Chairman and CEO TriCorps Security

  • "Our CPA Firm has a long relationship with Denker & Zuhdi. We frequently use the Firm for our legal needs as well as to refer our Clients. We want our Client base to have the best Legal representation possible. The firm has always provided very Professional Services to ourselves and our Clients and we have the utmost confidence in the services provided." - –Hamilton & Associates, CPA Carl Hamilton Anna Hamilton

  • "Having been one of the largest buyers of foreclosures in the state for nearly 30 years, it is the nature of our business to be involved in litigation. We chose Rick Denker as our attorney by using the best method possible. He represented the other side. During this litigation, we saw an intelligent, hard-working man who had common sense. He attempted to resolve the case in the best interest of his client quickly instead of just running up the legal bills. During the past several years that he has represented us, we have been very pleased with his success and would highly recommend him." - –Tana Parks, owner of Ted Parks LLC and Winfield Investments LLC, Tulsa, Ok

  • "“I believe Rick takes a common sense approach to complex issues and looks for the best resolution in a timely fashion. Rick is very approachable and is easily accessible. Rick has been around in Oklahoma City awhile and knows who to talk to and where to go to take care of your legal issues.”" - –Doug Summers President, Paleo, Inc

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