Tulsa County Dissolution Of Marriage
Dissolution of marriage cases in Tulsa County are filed at the Court Clerk office in downtown Tulsa. Court Clerk Don Newberry runs one of the busiest clerk offices in Oklahoma, handling thousands of family law filings each year. The courthouse on South Denver Avenue processes all dissolution of marriage petitions, motions, and decrees for the county. Tulsa County is the second most populated county in the state, so the volume of dissolution cases here is high. Whether you need to start a new filing or search for an existing case, this guide covers how to work with the Tulsa County court system.
Tulsa County Dissolution Of Marriage Quick Facts
Tulsa County Court Clerk Office
Don Newberry serves as the Tulsa County Court Clerk. His office is in Room 200 of the courthouse. Deputy Clerk Vicki Goodson helps manage day-to-day operations and can be reached at (918) 596-5421. The clerk's office has multiple phone lines for different services, which helps in a county this size.
| Office | Tulsa County Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Don Newberry |
| Deputy Clerk | Vicki Goodson - (918) 596-5421 |
| Address | 500 S Denver Ave, Room 200, Tulsa, OK 74103 |
| Divorce Line | (918) 596-5454 |
| Marriage Line | (918) 596-5478 |
| Main Line | (918) 596-5420 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | Tulsa County Court Clerk |
The divorce line at (918) 596-5454 is the best number to call if you have questions about dissolution of marriage filings. Staff on that line can tell you what forms to bring, explain the filing fee, and check on case status. The office also offers filing packets for dissolution of marriage cases. You can pick one up at the counter or ask about availability by phone.
The Family Relations division is on the second floor. This is where mediation and custody matters are handled during dissolution of marriage proceedings. If the judge orders mediation, this is where you go. It is a separate department from the clerk's office but works closely with it on family cases.
Archives and Older Records
Tulsa County keeps an archive for older court records at a separate location. Robert Ramsey manages the archives at 2929B E Apache. You can reach the archives at (918) 669-8294. If you need dissolution of marriage records that are not in the main courthouse, the archives office can help.
Online records through OSCN for Tulsa County go back to November 2011. Anything before that date requires a trip to the archives or a request through the clerk's office. The archives hold decades of paper records. Give them the names, approximate dates, and any case numbers you have to speed up the search.
How to Search Dissolution Of Marriage Records
The Oklahoma State Courts Network is free. Pick Tulsa County. Enter a name. The results show case numbers, parties, docket entries, and filing dates. Look for the FD prefix to spot dissolution of marriage cases. OSCN has Tulsa County records from November 2011 forward.
The Tulsa County Court Clerk website offers access to public court records including dissolution of marriage filings.
The Tulsa County Court Clerk website has information about the clerk's office and how to access records. You can also use the clerk's site for links to search tools and record request forms.
On Demand Court Records is another way to search. It pulls from the same court database but uses a different search interface. Basic searches are free on both OSCN and ODCR. For actual copies of documents from a Tulsa County dissolution of marriage case, you need to contact the clerk's office or visit in person.
Filing for Dissolution Of Marriage in Tulsa County
You must live in Oklahoma for six months and in Tulsa County for at least 30 days. Title 43 Section 103 sets the residency rules. File your petition at Room 200 in the courthouse. The filing fee is $252.14 for most dissolution of marriage cases. Cases with children may run $262.14 due to additional fees.
Incompatibility is the ground most filers choose. Title 43 Section 101 lists all 12 grounds. Incompatibility is no-fault and straightforward. You state the marriage cannot work. The court does not need to hear blame or details. Fault grounds are available but rarely used in Tulsa County except in contested cases where property or custody is at stake.
The automatic temporary injunction takes effect when you file, per Title 43 Section 110. Both spouses are barred from selling assets, canceling insurance, or removing children from the state. This starts immediately. You do not need a separate motion. Violating it can lead to contempt of court charges.
Cases involving children have a 90-day waiting period from the date of service, per Title 43 Section 107.1. No children means a 10-day wait. After the period ends, the judge signs the final decree. Neither party can remarry for six months under Title 43 Section 127.
Tulsa County Dissolution Of Marriage Fees
The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Tulsa County runs $252.14 to $262.14 depending on the case type. The higher amount applies when minor children are involved. If you cannot afford it, file a pauper's affidavit and ask the court to waive the fee.
Copy fees follow Title 28 Section 31. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $1.00 per page. Name searches cost $5.00 per name for every seven-year period. These rates are specific to Tulsa County and may differ slightly from the standard state schedule that other counties follow.
What Case Files Contain
A Tulsa County dissolution of marriage file includes the petition, summons, proof of service, response, any temporary orders, financial affidavits, and the final decree. The decree spells out property division, custody, child support, spousal support, and any other court orders. It is the document that ends the marriage.
Most people searching for records want the final decree. Certified copies are needed for things like name changes on a driver's license, updating property titles, or showing proof of dissolution to an insurance company. The clerk can certify copies on the spot during business hours.
Tulsa County dissolution of marriage records are public under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Anyone can request them. You do not need to be a party to the case.
Legal Resources in Tulsa County
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma has a strong presence in Tulsa County. They handle dissolution of marriage cases for people who qualify based on income. With a large population, Tulsa County has no shortage of attorneys, but Legal Aid fills the gap for those who cannot afford private representation.
The Oklahoma Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service and offers free guides about the dissolution process. The Oklahoma Supreme Court provides court forms for self-represented filers. The Tulsa County courthouse also has filing packets available at the clerk's counter, which walk you through the steps.
Cities in Tulsa County
Several major cities fall within Tulsa County. All dissolution of marriage filings go through the Court Clerk in Tulsa, regardless of which city you live in.
Nearby Counties
If you are not sure where the dissolution of marriage was filed, check these counties around Tulsa County.