This bill amends various sections of Oklahoma's divorce laws, specifically addressing grounds for divorce, educational programs for parents, and the division of property. It modifies the permissible grounds for divorce by adding new causes such as habitual drunkenness and gross neglect of duty, while also removing outdated provisions like impotency and insanity as grounds for divorce. The bill updates the requirements for educational programs that adult parties must attend when children are involved, ensuring that these programs cover the impact of divorce on children and include various educational components.
Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for establishing a trust fund for children in cases where a divorce is granted on the basis of fault. The at-fault parent must create and fund this trust within sixty days of the divorce decree, with the non-at-fault parent given priority to serve as the executor until the child turns eighteen. The bill outlines strict regulations regarding access to the trust fund, including restrictions on withdrawals until the child reaches adulthood, and establishes penalties for noncompliance. The effective date for this act is set for November 1, 2025.