A trial is the last of the divorce steps in Oklahoma. It doesn’t occur in all divorces. In fact, most Oklahoma divorces settle far short of trial. If you have gotten this far in the proceeding, it means that there are still issues that you and your spouse have been unable to resolve. Here is what you need to know about a pretrial divorce hearing in Oklahoma.
Purpose Of A Pretrial Divorce Hearing In Oklahoma
The main purpose of a pretrial conference is to help a judge understand what issues still need to be resolved at trial and how long your trial will take. Attorneys for both sides generally prepare for the hearing by narrowing the issues that must be resolved, determining what witnesses need to be called, and determining what documentary evidence will need to be admitted.
The judge reads the Pretrial Hearing Statements submitted by both sides in advance of the hearing. These statements will contain a list of witnesses and evidence that your attorney plans on introducing at the trial.
At the hearing, both sides will state their cases as they see it to help the judge understand their position on the issues that have not been resolved. The judge will make sure that discovery has been completed and will usually inquire about the possibilities of settlement.
If it is clear that the parties are too far apart to settle their issues, the judge will likely narrow out the issues to be tried and see if the parties are willing to stipulate to certain facts. Stipulations are agreements.
When both sides can stipulate to certain facts, it shortens the trial time. Both sides submit their witness and exhibit lists to the judge. The judge then decides what witnesses will testify, what evidence will be admitted, and what evidence will be excluded.
The Pretrial Hearing Order
The judge then issues a pretrial order. The order covers every aspect of the trial. It also contains deadlines for the exchange of trial briefs and pretrial motions as well as the trial date, time, and location.
Depending on the complexity of the case, the pretrial hearing can take place weeks or months before the trial date. An attorney will know your case well by the time you have reached this stage of the proceeding.
Trials take several days and are expensive. Your attorney will need to prepare trial briefs and evidence, subpoena witnesses, and interview witnesses.
All divorce hearings can be stressful. It may be tempting to represent yourself in a divorce.
But uniformly, it is better to have an Tulsa divorce attorney represent you. This is especially true if you have gotten to this point in a divorce proceeding.
Trials are especially stressful. Your attorney will know the ins and outs of the law and of that judge’s courtroom.
Initial Consultation With A Tulsa Divorce Lawyer
The divorce process is what you make it — the higher the conflict, the more expensive your case becomes. Hiring a skilled and experienced Tulsa divorce attorney ensures your rights are protected and explains all necessary and unnecessary steps in the process.
Contact an experienced Tulsa divorce lawyer when you need to go through the Oklahoma divorce process.
For a initial, confidential consultation, call 918-924-5526 now.