Understanding Grounds for Divorce in Oklahoma
Hi, my name is Clint Hastings. I’m a Tulsa Dads.Law attorney here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I focus on father’s rights. Today, we’re talking about grounds for divorce, and I often get asked whether grounds actually matter in Oklahoma. Do they make any difference, or is everything just based on “irreconcilable differences”?
Oklahoma is a no-fault divorce state, which means that the grounds for divorce generally do not affect the division of property, alimony, child support, child custody, or similar issues. However, there are exceptions. Grounds can matter in certain situations—for example, if one party has dissipated marital assets due to an affair, gambling problem, or addiction, that misconduct can affect how the court divides property or awards alimony. Likewise, if that kind of behavior impacts a party’s ability to care for the children, it could influence custody decisions.
Statutory Grounds for Divorce in Oklahoma
Otherwise, the specific grounds don’t really play a role in how the court decides your case. For reference, the statutory grounds for divorce in Oklahoma include abandonment, adultery, impotence, infidelity resulting in pregnancy, extreme cruelty, fraudulent contract, habitual drunkenness, gross neglect of duty, and insanity, among others. Still, the vast majority of divorces are filed under irreconcilable incompatibility, and once it’s pled, you usually won’t see it come up again until the final decree.
It’s simply the legal reason the divorce is granted, not something you have to prove or litigate.
Consult with a Family Law Attorney
Thanks for watching, and if you have questions about this or any family law matter, feel free to reach out for a consultation. Call Tulsa men’s divorce attorney Clint Hastings at 918-962-0900 to schedule a low-cost consultation today.
