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Oklahoma Family Law

Child Custody & Visitation

Navigating Child Custody and Visitation in Oklahoma

Child custody and visitation issues can be incredibly stressful and frightening for parents, second only to property division. At Evan Taylor Law Office, we understand the emotional toll these matters take on families. Our goal is to help you navigate this challenging process with expertise and compassion.

Equal Rights for Parents

In Oklahoma, both mothers and fathers have equal rights to their children. This means that when it comes to child custody and visitation, the law does not favor one parent over the other. However, if parents cannot agree on how to share parenting time and responsibilities, a judge must step in and make the decision for them.

Best Interests of the Child

The primary consideration for a judge in Oklahoma when deciding child custody and visitation matters is the best interests of the child. This involves evaluating which custody arrangement will best provide for the child’s physical, mental, emotional, and moral welfare. Factors that may be considered include the child’s relationship with each parent, the stability of each parent’s home environment, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.

Discretion of the Trial Judge

Although there are numerous laws that apply to child custody decisions, ultimately, the outcome often depends on the discretion of the trial judge. This makes it crucial to present the best possible case to the court. At Evan Taylor Law Office, we work diligently to gather and present pertinent information about both parents and the children to ensure the judge has a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Maximizing Parenting Time and Influence

Our priority is to maximize our client’s time and influence over their children. We do this by meticulously preparing for custody hearings, presenting compelling evidence, and advocating fiercely for your parental rights. Whether you are seeking primary custody, joint custody, or increased visitation, our experienced child custody lawyers are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

A child sitting by a tree while his parents talk in the background.

Types of Custody Arrangements

In Oklahoma, child custody can take various forms, including:

  • Joint Custody: Both parents share legal decision making for the child.
  • Sole Custody: One parent has primary legal and/or physical custody, while the other may have visitation rights.
  • Physical Custody: Determines where the child will live.
  • Legal Custody: Refers to which parent has the authority to make important decisions about the child’s life, such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.

Contact Us for a Consultation

If you are facing child custody and visitation issues, contact Evan Taylor Law Office today. Our dedicated family law attorneys are here to support you and your family through this difficult time, providing the guidance and advocacy you need to protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about Child Custody in Oklahoma? We are prepared to answer your questions about Child Custody. Let us know how we can help.

Child Custody | Visitation

What is Joint Custody?

Joint Custody is when both parents continue to have joint legal custody of their children. This has nothing to do with the time each parent spends with the child. What this really means for any one family depends on their circumstances. It is often a distinction without a difference, and is largely a theoretical principle that people would be best in ignoring because it is just confusing and does not help resolve conflicts between parents.

What is Sole Custody?

Sole custody is when one parent has the exclusive ability to make legal decisions for the children. This has little to do with the time each parent spends with the child, and it doesn’t mean that one parent can tell the other parent what to do on their own time. It has legal consequences under certain conditions, but often is not an issue as both parents are entitled to have time with their children and access to their children’s information.

Is Oklahoma a mom state or a dad state?

Neither. Officially, Oklahoma law forbids the judge from making custody decisions based solely on the sex of the parent.

I want Joint Custody of my kids. How do I get it under Oklahoma Law?

Every path is different. You have to be willing to cooperate with the other parent. Oklahoma law requires that parents must be able to work together in a “spirit of cooperation” to have joint custody. Many judges will not order joint custody if the parents cannot agree. On the other hand, some judges will force it upon the parents. What happens tends to be a personal preference of the judge.

Can I leave the state with the kids?

Maybe. In most cases you will need the judge’s permission. Even after your case is over, there is a procedure you must follow when moving more than 75 miles away from your current residence if you want to take your children with you. You should definitely schedule a time to meet with an experienced divorce lawyer to discuss these issues before making a move.

Are you a father’s rights attorney?

No. There is no such thing except as a branding gimmick. Oklahoma child custody laws make it clear that the sex of the parent should not be an important aspect in a judge’s custody decision. Instead, I always work for my clients, so that they have a significant role in their children’s lives and are able to protect their best interests.