The Court’s Role In Your Oklahoma City Divorce Settlement

The court’s role in an Oklahoma City divorce is to resolve issues that you and your spouse could  not resolve during mediation or negotiations. Thus, the court has the power to ultimately decide how you, your spouse and your family will continue to live your lives after the divorce by deciding the following issues with your Oklahoma City divorce settlement:

• The division of marital property
• Spousal support
• Child custody
• Child support
• Visitation

However, you and your spouse have an opportunity to retain power over how your divorce settlement turns out by negotiating and coming to an agreement on these issues before going to court.

No agreement made between you and your spouse will be enforceable until it is properly decreed in your divorce decree by a judge of an Oklahoma City family court. So, the court always has the final say. But typically, as long as whatever agreements you and your spouse come to are fair and equitable, they will be approved by the court.

Here are some other things you can do to impress the court and possibly receive a more favorable settlement:

• Be prepared. Don’t rely on your attorney to do everything. Prepare and bring copies of any documents pertaining to your divorce settlement that you and your attorney believe will be necessary.

• Remain calm in court. Many of the issues that need to be resolved in a divorce can evoke a great deal of emotion. However, don’t do or say anything in court that will reflect negatively upon you and jeopardize your settlement demands.

• Only speak when spoken to. This is accepted courtroom protocol. Do not address the judge unless he asks you to do so.  If you have a comment or concern to voice, discreetly let your attorney know what your concerns are or that you need a few minutes to discuss something with him. Otherwise, make a note of your concerns and discuss it with your attorney later.

• Tell the truth. There may be things that you don’t want the court to know or prefer not to share in court, but it will be much better for your case to appear as someone who has made some bad choices than someone who is dishonest. Judges do not look kindly on those who lie in court, and if you are found out, you will have a very difficult time convincing the judge to believe any statement you may have made, or any you make subsequently.

• Enlist the services of an experienced divorce attorney. Having an experienced divorce attorney on your side will provide you with the skills to resolve the issues you have with your divorce settlement before going to court; and if not, it will significantly increase your chance for  a more favorable ruling by the court.

Low-cost Consultation: Oklahoma City Divorce Lawyer

Whether you envision a quick, easy divorce or you are preparing for a difficult, high-conflict divorce, a skilled Oklahoma City divorce lawyer can provide the skills you need to move your life toward a more stable future.  Call us today to find out how a family law advocate can ease your worries and help attain the outcome you prefer.

We offer initial consultations at no cost. Discover how our family law knowledge can help you through a difficult time. For a initial consultation with a reliable Oklahoma City divorce attorney, call (405) 880-8222 today. If you prefer e-mail, send us your question using the “Ask the Lawyer” form at the right side of this page.