No matter how much animosity exists between a divorcing couple in Oklahoma, they may still wish to avoid a trial. After all, trials are a matter of public record, and many spouses may want to preserve their privacy when it comes to divorce. To do so, they may enter into a mutually agreed-upon out-of-court settlement regarding their divorce.

Oklahoma divorce settlement can be made in a number of ways. Some couples simply negotiate between each other with an attorney by their side. Others rely on collaboration, mediation or other types of alternative dispute resolution methods. However, once the Oklahoma divorce settlement is reached, couple’s may wonder what the next step of the process is towards finalizing their divorce.

After a Oklahoma divorce settlement agreement is negotiated and written down, it must be approved by a judge who will issue a divorce decree. In general, an informal hearing will take place. The judge will make sure the settlement does not substantially favor just one of the parties. The judge will also question the couple as to whether they understand and agree with the terms of the Oklahoma divorce settlement.

If satisfied, the judge will usually approve the terms of the settlement. If not, the couple will have to keep negotiating. Should a couple only be able to reach a partial settlement, the terms of that settlement may be approved, and the issues they could not resolve will go to trial.

After receiving judicial approval, a divorce decree will be issued. This document affirms that the divorce process is complete, and it lays out key information about each party’s rights regarding child custody, child support, property division and alimony. Once this decree is issued, the couple will officially be divorced.

The divorce process can seem long and confusing, and each couple’s situation is unique. Therefore, while the above information cannot be considered legal advice, it can give you a basic understanding of how to finalize a divorce without going to trial. It is possible in many cases for spouses to agree on an out-of-court settlement that fairly addresses all the aspects of a divorce, leaving the couple satisfied as they enter into this new phase of their lives.