Calculate Publication Schedule
The date the court authorized service by publication.
For your records only — not used in calculation.
Select a court order date above to calculate your publication timeline.
The Publication Process in Oklahoma
Attempt Personal Service First
Before a court will authorize publication, you must demonstrate due diligence in attempting personal service. This typically means at least three attempts at different times of day and on different days. Document every attempt with dates, times, and outcomes.
File a Motion for Publication
Submit a motion to the court requesting authorization for service by publication. Include an affidavit detailing your due diligence efforts and explaining why the defendant cannot be located. The judge will review and, if satisfied, sign an order authorizing publication.
Choose a Newspaper
Select a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the defendant was last known to reside. The newspaper must be approved by the court. Some courts maintain a list of approved publications. Contact the newspaper's legal notice department to arrange publication.
Publish for Three Consecutive Weeks
Oklahoma law requires the notice to be published once per week for three consecutive weeks. The notice must include the case caption, a general description of the relief sought, and instructions for the defendant to respond. Keep copies of each published notice as proof.
File Proof of Publication
After the third publication, obtain an affidavit or certificate of publication from the newspaper. File this proof with the court. The affidavit should include the dates of each publication and a statement that the newspaper is of general circulation.
Wait 41 Days, Then Request Default
The earliest you may request a default judgment is 41 days after the first publication. This waiting period gives the defendant a reasonable opportunity to see the notice and respond. After this period, file a motion for default judgment with the court.
Important Notes About Publication
Service by publication is considered a last resort in Oklahoma. Courts require a showing of due diligence before authorizing it. If the defendant is eventually located, personal service must still be attempted even after publication has begun.
Publication does not provide actual notice to the defendant in most cases. For this reason, courts may impose limitations on the types of relief available. For example, monetary judgments may be limited to the amount stated in the published notice. Always consult an attorney about the specific implications for your case.
If the defendant is on active military duty, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may provide additional protections. You may need to file an affidavit regarding military service before a default judgment can be entered.
Need Help with Service by Publication?
Just Legal Solutions assists with due diligence attempts, affidavit preparation, and publication coordination across Oklahoma. Call for guidance on your specific case.
Sources & Citations
- [1]12 O.S. § 2004(C)(3) — Service by Publication — Requirements for service by publication including due diligence, 3 consecutive weeks, and 41-day waiting period.
- [2]12 O.S. § 2006 — Computation of Time — Rules for computing time periods under Oklahoma civil procedure.
Disclaimer
The information on "Publication Timeline Calculator" is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently, and the information presented may not reflect the most current legal developments. Just Legal Solutions is not a law firm, and no attorney-client relationship is created by your use of this website or any tools provided herein. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a licensed Oklahoma attorney. Process serving requirements may vary by county and court — always verify current rules with the appropriate court clerk.
Sources cited include Oklahoma Statutes, Oklahoma Rules of Civil Procedure, and court administrative materials. Citations are accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the publication date. Always verify statutes at oklegislature.gov or court rules at oscn.net.