Oklahoma Legal Resource Hub
Phone numbers, websites, and step-by-step help for real life in Oklahoma — including parenting classes, child support, protective orders, and more.
The Oklahoma Legal Resources page is here to give you quick access to the help you need — whether that’s finding a parenting class, setting up child support, filing a protective order, or talking to someone about abuse. You’ll find plain-English guidance, trusted websites, and contact info that actually works — all tailored to Oklahoma.
We built this page to help regular people handle real problems. If you feel overwhelmed, just take one step at a time — you’re not alone.
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What You Need to Know About the Court Clerk’s Office
The Court Clerk’s Office is located inside the courthouse in your county. This is where court records are filed and stored and where you will file your divorce, adoption, name change, etc. The clerk will also assign a Judge to your case. The clerks can explain the general steps in a legal process, but they cannot give legal advice or help you decide what forms to file.
There are numerous types of cases filed with the Court Clerk’s Office which include:
- Civil
- Small Claims
- Probate
- Guardianship
- Adoption
- Divorce
- Paternity
- Protective Orders
- Felony
- Misdemeanor
- Traffic: Tickets issued by state troopers, sheriffs, and park rangers in your county
Don’t confuse this with the County Clerk’s Office, which handles land records like deeds and mortgages. They are two different offices.
Before you go:
Call ahead to ask about their hours of operation—some counties close for lunch or have shortened hours.
Ask what the filing fees are for your documents so you bring the right amount.
Bring plenty of copies. The clerk can make copies for you, but there’s a fee.
State law establishes the following fees for court clerk records:
- Copies per page: $1.00 for the first page, $ .50 cents for each additional page
- Certification of each document: $ .50 cents
- Marriage License: $2.00 (certified)
- If copies are to be Authenticated: $5.00 (per Authentication Certificate)
Personal checks are not accepted. Most offices take cash, money orders, or sometimes debit/credit cards (check first).
Most court records are public, but adoption and guardianship cases are closed and not available for public view.
The Court Clerk’s job is to file documents and keep official records—not to guide you through your legal case. Be polite and prepared when you go—they’re there to help within the rules they’re required to follow.
The Judge’s Bailiff: Your Gateway to the Courtroom
Each judge has a bailiff or courtroom clerk. This is the person who manages the judge’s calendar, schedules hearings, and keeps things running behind the scenes.
They may ask to see copies of your filed documents and will tell you when and where to appear. When it’s time for your hearing, they’re the one who lets the judge know you’re ready.
Always check in with the bailiff when you arrive for court.
Be respectful—even if they don’t seem friendly. The bailiff works closely with the judge and plays a key role in keeping the courtroom organized. Think of them as the gatekeeper to the judge. They cannot give legal advice, so don’t ask—but they can help with timing, courtroom instructions, and making sure you’re in the right place.
It’s worth saying twice: be polite, be prepared, and be patient. This person can make your experience smoother—or much harder.
What to Expect When Going to Court
When you go to the courthouse, expect to go through security. Just like at the airport, you’ll walk through a metal detector, and your bags may be checked. If you’re not sure where to go, ask the security officers—they can direct you to the right courtroom or the Court Clerk’s Office.
If you’re attending a hearing, here’s how to be prepared:
Dress and Behavior
Dress respectfully. Think church clothes or business casual. No shorts, tank tops, or anything too casual.
Leave children under 12 at home unless the court tells you otherwise.
Turn your phone off or silence it completely.
Be respectful. Always address the judge as “Your Honor,” “Ma’am,” or “Sir.”
Be patient. Court often runs behind schedule. You may have to wait.
Manners matter. Don’t roll your eyes, interrupt, or speak out of turn. Judges notice how you behave.
Be Organized and Ready
Bring the original documents you filed.
Bring at least two extra copies—one for the judge and one for the other party.
If you have proof (like letters, receipts, or agreements), bring those too.
Keep everything neat and easy to find—paperclip or staple your sets, and label them clearly.
Being polite, organized, and well-prepared helps you make a good impression and keeps your hearing on track.
Applying for a Victim Protective Order pursuant to Title 22 Sections 60-61 of Oklahoma Law
Requests for a Victim Protective Order start with filing a petition at the Court Clerk’s Office.
To be eligible for a Victim’s Protective Order (VPO), please consider the following criteria:
♦Have you been a victim of rape? Note: If so, a police report number MUST BE PROVIDED at the time of filing and a copy presented at the court hearing.
♦Are you the biological parent of the same child or children as the person you need protection from?
♦Are you currently or were you previously in a dating relationship with the person in question?
♦Are you divorced from the person you seek protection from?
♦Are you divorced from their spouse or they married to your ex-spouse?
♦Are you married to them?
♦Are you related to them by blood or by marriage?
♦Are you their child or their parent?
♦Have you formerly or are you currently living in the same household as them? Are you roommates or have you been roommates within the preceding year?
If any of the above situations apply to you, you may request a Victim’s Protective Order (VPO). If none of these circumstances apply, you may file for a VPO if you have been the victim of harassment or stalking on more than one occasion (see requirements for harassment and stalking qualification below). If you fall in one of the following categories you may apply for a Protective Order, but you must provide a police report for Final Order of Protection: Victim of Rape, Forcible Sodomy, Sex offense, Kidnapping, Assault and Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Child Abuse, Other Crime against an Adult Victim, or Petitioner is an immediate Family Member of a Victim of First Degree Murder, and Defendant has been Charged and Convicted of that Crime.
Important Guidelines:
To request a Domestic VPO, the person in question must have committed an act of physical harm or made threats of physical harm towards you.
Filing can be done at your county’s Court Clerk’s office during office hours, Monday to Friday. If you need the petition to be considered the same day, it is suggested that the form (Petition) be completed and submitted to the court clerk’s office by 3:30 p.m.
Do not sign the form before presenting it to the court clerk’s office.
If including a child on your petition, you must be their parent or legal guardian, and they must be under 18, living with you, and under your legal custody (full or joint). Note that a VPO, if issued, does not determine child custody but prohibits contact between parties.
No fees are due at the time of filing, but a judge may order a minimum of court costs starting at $204.14 after the hearing.
If you are attempting to file a protective order on a person and service will be out of state, you must contact the law enforcement agency that will be serving the protective order. Pursuant to that state’s laws covering payment for service, you may be required prior to service.
Information Required For Filing:
The first and last name of the person you seek protection from as well as a current address. This can be a work or home address, and for the VPO to be effective, it must be personally served by the sheriff’s office. This is a civil request for relief and the sheriff’s office will not research or attempt to locate the individual outside of the information you provide.
Harassment & Stalking:
If seeking a VPO for harassment or stalking, a police report listing you as the victim must be filed. Provide a copy of the police report when filing for your VPO.
Harassment is conduct directed toward a person, including repeated and continuing contact causing emotional distress.
Stalking is willful, malicious, and repeated following or harassment causing a reasonable person to feel frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.
If after business hours, an emergency protective order may be obtained by law enforcement pursuant to Title 22 Section 60.3 C.
Marriage License
Qualifications
- Age 18 and older – Proof of age is required. Official document such as: driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, or military ID.
- Age 16 to 17 – Parental consent of either parent or legal guardian, birth certificate.
- Under 16 – Under 16, marriage is prohibited in this state except by court order.
- Divorce – Persons divorced in Oklahoma may not marry anyone other than their previous spouse for a period of 6 months after the divorce decree is filed.
- Fees – $50 license fee or $5 if premarital counseling is completed. To receive the reduced fee, you must show the Court Clerk’s Office an original certificate of successful completion of a premarital counseling program. The certificate must be an original document, not a copy, and shall state that the named persons have successfully completed the premarital counseling requirements.
- Premarital Counseling – No copies, faxes or emailed counseling certificates are accepted. Premarital counseling programs must be conducted in accordance with Oklahoma Statute 43 O.S. 5.1.
- Waiting Period – No waiting period required except for those under the age of 18. If under the age of 18, there is a 72-hour waiting period.
- Waived Period Exception – A written waiver signed by a judge is required.
- Blood Test – None required under Oklahoma law.
- Residency – None
FAQ’s
How much is a marriage license? Are there any discounts?
$50 license fee or $5 if premarital counseling completed. The reduced fee shall apply upon presentation to the Court Clerk of an original certificate of successful completion of a premarital counseling program. The certificate must be an original document, not a copy, and shall state that the named persons have successfully completed the premarital counseling requirements.
No copies, faxes or emailed counseling certificates are accepted. The premarital counseling program must be conducted in accordance with Oklahoma Statute 43 O.S. 5.1.
What is required to obtain a marriage license?
Both parties must present valid identification, which could be:
- Certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the state or county, not the hospital
- State I.D.
- Military I.D.
- Other state or federal document issued as proof of identity and age
- Valid driver’s license-not expired
- Valid passport
What is the legal age to get married in Oklahoma?
Applicants 18 years of age or older may obtain a marriage license without parental consent. Minors 16 or 17 years of age may obtain a marriage license when one of the legal custodial guardians or parents is present with valid photo identification, with a certified copy of each minor’s birth certificate issued by a state or county, not by a hospital.
Foreign language birth certificates must be translated into English by an official translator. There is a 72-hour waiting period for minors before the license may be issued.
How can I get a copy of my marriage license?
Requests for records including: divorce, small claims, marriage license, evictions, civil case filings/name changes or criminal records are made directly to the court clerk’s office.
What if neither applicant speaks English?
Applicants must provide a third person to translate.
Other Oklahoma Legal Resources
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc.
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma is a nonprofit organization that provides civil legal assistance to low-income persons throughout Oklahoma.
Child Support Services: Application for Services Information
Child Support Services (CSS) is providing the application for child support services online as a convenience to you. Please use the application for child support services link below to access this form.
The blank form may be downloaded to your computer or it may be completed online and then printed but it can not be saved after it is completed. Contact our CARE Customer Service Center if you want an application mailed to you. OKC metro area only (405) 522-CARE (522-2273), Tulsa metro area only (918) 295-3500, all other areas call toll free 1-800-522-2922
Please mail application and copies of any child support orders to:
Case Initiation Center
P. O. Box 248843
Oklahoma City, OK 73124-8843
Upon receipt of the application, it will be reviewed for appropriate action and assigned to a child support office. If the application is incomplete, it may be returned for additional information.
Families receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits and/or non TANF Medicaid benefits are automatically referred to OCSS for child support services and do not need to complete or and send an Application For Child Support Services.
If you wish to apply for “locate only” services, you must also complete the Locate Only Rights & Responsibilities (Form 03EN007E). Only a custodial parent or attorney may apply for assistance in locating a noncustodial parent’s residence and or employment.
VETERANS IN OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma provides various resources for veterans, including tax exemptions and employment assistance. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs can be reached at 855-701-6382 or 405-523-4000, or by visiting their office in Oklahoma City. For veterans experiencing a crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line is available at 1-800-273-8255, press 1, or call 911. These resources aim to support veterans and their families in Oklahoma.
StatesideLegal assists people with military experience by providing them with information and resources to better understand and protect their rights. http://statesidelegal.org/
Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Inc.
Serving Native American issues in all 77 Oklahoma counties.
- 4200 N. Perimeter Center Drive, Suite 222
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 943-6457 or toll-free (800) 658-1497
oils@oilsonline.org
HOTLINES
- National Human Trafficking Hotline
- 1-888-373-7888 (TTY:711)
- Text: 233733
- National Sexual Assault Hotline
- 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
- 1-877-739-3895
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- 988 (call or text)
- 211 Oklahoma statewide resource assistance
- 211 (call or text)
- Oklahoma SafeLine – This is a confidential, toll-free, 24-hour hotline for Oklahomans seeking help or information about domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault. Interpretation services are available in 150 languages. (Call or Text)
1-800-522-SAFE (7233)
VINELink – This helpful tool allows victims to be notified of an abuser’s release or change in criminal status.
https://www.freerehabcenters.org/zip.php?zip=Search this is a link to a page to find free rehabs across the United States
Oklahoma District Court Docket Search
www.oscn.net – For looking up case status, court dockets, and judge assignments.
PARENTING CLASSES
COURSE FOR PARENTS – Course For Parents provides access to the Parent Education Class, which may be a court-ordered parenting class required in the state of Oklahoma for parents that are seeking a divorce according to Oklahoma Code – Title 43-107.2 – Marriage and Family as modified by 2014 HB 2249.. Our online parenting class has been approved and the certificate is recognized by all Oklahoma courts that allow distance learning.
Our Parent Education Class has been written to meet national standards and is recognized by courts and organizations that allow distance learning. The Course For Parents program provides meaningful content intended to meet court, legal, or employer requirements. We also recommend the Parent Education Class for personal growth.
COURT APPROVED PARENTING – A Co-Parenting Program for Divorcing Parents
- Instant Printable Certificate upon completion
- Only costs $25
- Complete the course 100% online
- Accessible 24/7
- Can log on and off as needed
- Instant Certificate!
- Guaranteed Court Approval
For customer support: 866-778-3349
CO-PARENTING FOR RESILIENCE classes from OSU Extension help the children of divorcing parents overcome the effects of divorce more quickly and is approved by the Oklahoma court system. No matter how agreeable and cooperative some parents may be, divorce is an emotionally charged process that often has unintended consequences. Research suggests that a three to four hour class can help parents learn what behaviors to avoid and other things they can do to help their children through this process.
Parent Helpline (Parenting Stress Support)
1-877-653-4493 – For overwhelmed parents who need someone to talk to.
SoonerCare (Medicaid for Children and Adults)
www.mysoonercare.org – Eligibility and enrollment.
Mental Health Assistance (ODMHSAS)
www.oklahoma.gov/odmhsas.html – Public resources, addiction treatment, and crisis help.
Parent Helpline (Parenting Stress Support)
1-877-653-4493 – For overwhelmed parents who need someone to talk to.
Tech Tip Box
💡 “Need help filling out online forms or printing documents?”
Your local library, tag office, office supply store, bank or community tech centers may offer computer access and printing.
Notary Services
🖋️ Need Something Notarized?
Most legal documents—like affidavits, powers of attorney, and divorce paperwork—must be signed in front of a notary.
✅ You can usually find a notary at:
Your local bank or credit union
UPS Stores
Tag agencies and courthouses
Public libraries
Some city halls and post offices
💡 Pro tip: Call ahead to ask if there’s a fee or if you need an appointment. Some notaries offer mobile or online services, too—great if you can’t travel easily.
Working with an Interpreter in a Legal Setting
Many lawyers and legal aid offices (also called legal services) use interpreters to talk to people who do not speak English well. How to best work with an interpreter is explained below.
What is an interpreter?
When people speak different languages, an interpreter helps them talk to each other. An interpreter can work in person or over the phone.
Is what I say to the interpreter confidential?
If your interpreter works for your lawyer or someone else who works in a legal office, everything you say to the interpreter is confidential, which means that it is not shared with anyone outside of the legal office. You have the right to confirm that the interpreter is working under a confidentiality agreement. If you know the interpreter and do not feel comfortable working with him or her, explain that to your lawyer before you begin and ask for an interpreter that you do not know. As a general rule, do not use a family member or friend as an interpreter.
How should I speak when using an interpreter?
The interpreter is there to help you speak with your lawyer. It will help if you remember to:
- Talk to your lawyer, not the interpreter.
- Speak clearly.
- Give the interpreter time to interpret — stop speaking after a few sentences or after important details. This gives the interpreter time to tell the lawyer what you are saying.
- If you have worked with an interpreter in your lawyer’s office and you thought they did a good job, ask to work with them again when you return.
📬 Need to Serve Legal Papers?
In Oklahoma, some court documents—like divorce petitions or custody motions—must be officially delivered (served) to the other party. A process server or sheriff’s deputy can do this for you.
Where to Find a Process Server:
Search “Oklahoma process server” on Google or Facebook (many advertise locally).
Check with your county sheriff’s office—they often provide service for a fee.
Ask your court clerk for a list of local, licensed servers.
Some UPS Stores and legal document services may also have server connections.
💡 Pro tip: Always choose someone licensed or approved in Oklahoma. Keep the “Return of Service” paperwork they give you—this proves the other party was served and must be filed with the court.