This bill amends several 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grounds for divorce by adding new reasons such as habitual drunkenness and gross neglect of duty, while also removing outdated grounds like impotency. The bill updates the requirements for educational programs that parents must attend when children are involved, ensuring that these programs cover the impact of divorce on children and provide resources for managing conflict and co-parenting. Additionally, it mandates that courts consider the degree of fault when making decisions related to property division and alimony.
A significant new provision introduced in the bill is the requirement for at-fault parents to establish a trust fund for the benefit of their children in cases of divorce based on fault. This trust fund must be set up within sixty days of the divorce decree and is intended to support the child's welfare and education. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the court in designating an executor for the trust fund, which is typically the non-at-fault parent, and establishes strict rules regarding access to the funds, including penalties for unauthorized withdrawals. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.