You’ll need a partner you can count on.
Often, the court designates one parent as the primary physical custodian, giving the other parent a schedule of temporary custody and visitation. In some cases, however, the court orders joint legal and physical custody, by which, both parents have substantial access to their children.
Physical Custody
Legal Custody
Custody Factors
Frequently Asked Questions
For a divorce with minor children, there is a 90-day waiting period from the date the Petition is filed.
For an uncontested divorce without minor children, there is a 10-day waiting period from the date the Petition is filed.
The length of time for a divorce cannot be predicted. It could occur anywhere from 10 days to a couple years, depending on whether there are minor children, the complexity of the issues, and the level of agreement between the parties.
A party may be properly served in Tulsa County through a private process server, service through the sheriff’s department, or certified mail with the return receipt signed and filed with the court. Additionally, a Waiver of Service can be signed and filed with the court clerk.
Service by publication is allowed when stated in the petition or by affidavit filed with the court stating that despite due diligence service cannot be made by other means.
Service shall be made by publication of a notice, signed by the court clerk, one day a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper that is authorized by law to publish legal notices in the county where the Petition is filed. The Tulsa World is authorized to publish legal notices in Tulsa County.
You must file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with a cover sheet and a summons. The cover sheet is available on the Tulsa County District Court website.
You must file for divorce at the Tulsa County District Court located at 500 S. Denver. The court clerk is located on the 2nd floor of the building and there is a specific desk for family relations.
A Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with a summons is currently $191, without a summons is $186, and without an attorney (pro se) is $176.
Similar to some counties in Oklahoma, Tulsa County requires a Parenting Plan Conference in a Divorce with Minor Children, Legal Separation with Minor Children, or a Paternity Action with Minor Children at which time the parties enter a scheduling order that creates deadlines to complete certain tasks and also attempt to reach a Temporary Order Agreement.
If the parties are unable to reach a Temporary Order Agreement, they will receive a referral for a temporary order hearing with their assigned judge.
Tulsa County also requires that the parties in a Divorce with Minor Children, Legal Separation with Minor Children, or a Paternity Action with Minor Children take “Helping Children Cope with Divorce.”
Tulsa County further requires that the parties attend mediation prior to trial.