Bill > SB829

This bill modifies Oklahoma's divorce laws in several key areas. First, it expands the permissible grounds for divorce to include more specific situations like desertion, habitual drunkenness, gross neglect of duty, and insanity, while also adding provisions about unknown pregnancy at the time of marriage. The bill updates requirements for the mandatory educational program that divorcing parents must attend when children are involved, specifying components like teaching about divorce's effects on children, reconciliation options, and communication strategies. Additionally, the bill introduces a significant new provision requiring courts to consider the degree of fault when entering divorce orders, particularly when dividing property. Most notably, in cases of fault-based divorce, the bill mandates that the at-fault parent establish a trust fund for each child, with strict rules about its management: the trust cannot be accessed until the child turns 18, must be overseen by an executor (initially the non-at-fault parent), and can only be used for the child's welfare, education, and needs. The trust is subject to detailed safeguards to prevent unauthorized withdrawals, with potential penalties including contempt of court and financial sanctions for violations. The new law is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, giving parties time to prepare for these changes.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb829&Session=2600