Recently updated Plain-language Eviction Forms Now Available for Public Download on the OSCN Website

OKLAHOMA CITY – The term “legalese” is often used to describe the technical jargon of legal documents that may be difficult for nonlawyers to understand. The use of hard-to-understand language adds an extra burden to those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer to represent them when legal matters arise. A legislative mandate was recently passed to make certain legal forms more accessible, and the Oklahoma Bar Association, working in tandem with the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation, formed a working group to develop these plain-language forms. These forms are now available for public download on the OSCN website.

The recently passed statutory changes pertain to eviction cases. The new laws require an affidavit to be filed with the court clerk of the applicable county, along with a properly served summons, both written in simple, easy-to-understand language. The statutes are available to view online at 12 O.S. §1148.15 – 16.

“The framers of our Constitution intended for the legal system to work fairly for everyone,” said OBA President D. Kenyon Williams Jr. of Tulsa. “Being able to understand the ‘rules of the game’ is critical information when going to court. By updating these forms to plain and understandable language, Oklahoma attorneys hope this will help all parties in an eviction case understand what is at stake and what is required.”

The Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation champions the cause of plain-language legal forms, and its leadership worked directly with the Legislature to mandate the easier-to-understand forms. The foundation’s executive director, Katie Dilks, said experts recommend aiming for a middle school reading level when creating public materials to ensure they are understandable to all.

“Oklahoma’s previous eviction summons read at an advanced college level, something only 27% of Oklahomans have attained,” Dilks said. “Access to justice means justice for everyone. At its core, plain language means presenting information in a way that allows all users to understand what they are reading the first time they read it. This helps ensure that all parties can meaningfully and effectively participate in the legal process.”

The OBA is also working with the Access to Justice Foundation to develop a new website where legal information on a variety of topics including family law matters such as divorce, custody and guardianships will be presented in easy-to-understand plain language, along with any available approved court forms. That website is expected to roll out in 2026.

The 19,000-member Oklahoma Bar Association, headquartered in Oklahoma City, was created by the Oklahoma Supreme Court to advance the administration of justice and to foster and maintain learning, integrity, competence, public service and high standards of conduct among Oklahoma’s legal community.