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Tulsa Family Law Excellence Reinforced With Honor

The name Fry & Elder continues to be synonymous with Tulsa family law excellence.

Tulsa Family Law Excellence

For a ninth consecutive year, Fry & Elder was named to the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” List. The firm received Tier 1 Status for Family Law in Tulsa for 2022 to further reinforce Fry & Elder’s excellence in Tulsa family law.

“It is great to be recognized by such a prestigious publication,” Fry & Elder managing attorney Simon Harwood said. “To receive this accolade for now nine consecutive years says a lot about our reputation and commitment to helping clients.”

Much of the firm’s reputation has to do with the achievements of founding partner Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. The distinguished attorney was recognized by Best Lawyers® in its prestigious legal directory for a 12th year in a row earlier in 2022.

“Very nice honor, but this firm is a lot bigger than any one person,” Fry Jr. said. “We have some very talented attorneys, and a very dedicated legal staff in place here. Our firm continues to grow and provide timely and personalized service to our clients.”

Fry & Elder now features a team of seven attorneys, providing legal services in Criminal Defense, Military Law, Real Estate Law and Appellate work in addition to Family Law.

That the firm continues to be recognized nationally by the U.S. News & World Report, along with Best Lawyers® annually speaks volumes.

Best Lawyers CEO Phillip Greer further emphasized the significance of being selected to the 2022 “Best Law Firms” List in a press release:

“For the 2022 ‘Best Law Firms’ publication, the evaluation process has remained just as rigorous and discerning as it did when we first started 11 years ago. This year we reviewed 15,587 law firms throughout the United States – across 75 national practice areas – and a total of 2,179 firms received a national law firm ranking. We are proud that the ‘Best Law Firms’ rankings continue to act as an indicator of excellence throughout the legal industry.”

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a trusted and recognized Tulsa attorney.

Popular Tulsa Divorce and Child Custody Attorney Honored Again by Best Lawyers®

Robert G Fry Jr. is showing no signs of slowing down. Although the popular Tulsa divorce and child custody attorney no longer handles the day-to-day operations he once did at Fry & Elder, Robert G Fry Jr. continues to operate his legal practice at a very high level.

Popular Tulsa divorce and child custody attorney

So high in fact, that the popular Tulsa divorce and child custody attorney was selected by Best Lawyers® for inclusion in its 2022 directory. This year’s selection marks the 12th consecutive year that Fry Jr. has been selected, which exceeds that of many other family law attorneys in the Tulsa area.

“He’s a machine,” Fry & Elder managing attorney Simon Harwood said. “It’s really an honor to work with him and be under his tutelage. The fact that he continues to operate and work at such a high level after 50 years really speaks volumes about the passion he has for his clients and the legal process in general. I’ve learned quite a lot from him”  

Fry’s passion for his work has been well documented and has not gone unnoticed for some time. He was proactive in embracing and advancing the changes in child support guidelines in the 1980s, which drew national attention.

He was interviewed on CBS The Early Show in a divorce series entitled, “What About the Kids?”

Still, that Fry has been listed by The Best Lawyers in America© every year since 2011 is no small feat. The publication is widely viewed as the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.

Much of this has to do with the rigorous selection process Best Lawyers® employs. Lawyers are not permitted to pay any fee to participate in or be recognized by Best Lawyers. As the website states:

“Recognition by Best Lawyers® is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.

“Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer-review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.”

Even though this year’s selection marks the 12th consecutive year Fry has been tabbed by Best Lawyers® for his family law prowess in the Tulsa area, Fry remains very thankful for honors such as these and doesn’t take anything for granted

“It’s a tremendous honor for me to be recognized by peers,” Fry said. “Best Lawyers® has such a good reputation in our legal industry, and deservedly so. They’ve done an excellent job of reporting on and evaluating our industry trends over the years.”

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a popular Tulsa divorce and child custody attorney.

Experienced Tulsa Divorce Lawyer Fry Holds Unique Seminar

As an experienced Tulsa divorce lawyer with 50 years’ experience, Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., has no shortage of legal perspective.

That said, the accomplished and experienced Tulsa divorce lawyer continues to embrace and seek out new opportunities to consult with individuals about the dynamics of family law.

Experienced Tulsa Divorce Lawyer

Fry’s newest endeavor landed him in his church of over 50 years – First United Methodist Church – for a three-part seminar on the true cost of divorce titled “Put Me Out of Business.”

The concept for the series, which ran Jan. 11, 18 and 25 at FUMC’s The Culture Lab, stemmed from the first part of Fry’s decades-old philosophy on divorce which focuses on exploring mediation and resolution first.

Fry collaborated with former counselor Hal McBride on the seminar content, and the three-part “Put Me Out of Business” series was the subject of a feature story by Ralph Schaefer in the Feb. 22 edition of the Tulsa Business & Legal News.

“There are many people who might feel like that is hot air coming from a family law attorney, but I ask every prospective client who comes to my office if they have explored all options of resolution first,” Fry said. “A lot of people who make it to my desk have not completely factored in all that divorce entails.  I want them to be aware of what is at stake not just financially but also emotionally.”

Unconventional Approach Nothing New for Experienced Tulsa Divorce Lawyer

That Fry chose to conduct a three-part seminar series seeking to educate young adults and college-age youths on the trials and tribulations of divorce may, on the surface, seem odd. But upon further review of Fry’s storied legal career, it really is not that out of character.

Fry has been a trailblazer of sorts in Oklahoma family law throughout his career. He helped pioneer the efforts of fathers being granted child custody when the “norm” was for the mother to typically gain custody of the child. He was then proactive in embracing and advancing the changes in child support guidelines in the 1980s, presenting CLE seminars on the changes to the Tulsa County Bar Association.

Still, even by his standards, his recent “Put Me Out of Business” seminar series was a little unconventional.

“My firm and myself have helped a lot of people get out of some very toxic relationships and bad situations over the years so I will always believe in the services and help that we are able to provide,” Fry said. “We do a lot of very good work that is needed. But I also want to see relationships last and probably even more so today because of where I am at in life and at this stage of my career. There is an enduring legacy that comes with divorce. You don’t have to make it to my desk.”

Part 1 of the series focused on the legal and financial side of divorce, as well as the emotional toll divorce can have on someone. Part 2 focused on how to build and have a lasting relationship. And Part 3 was a roundtable in which two married couples of 20+ and 50+ years answered questions about their respective marriages.

“I think it really went well, especially considering it was the first time we have held a seminar like this,” said FUMC College and Youth Adult Minister Rebekah Bled. “It was really good for some of our church’s younger members to be exposed to these discussions. The perspective and wisdom provided by Mr. Fry and others is invaluable.  We had one older couple come in to film one of the seminars for their daughter. That really surprised me.”

Experienced Tulsa Divorce Lawyer

Experienced Tulsa Divorce Lawyer at Home at First United Methodist Church

As comfortable as Fry is inside a courtroom, he is even more at home at his church – specifically with his Sunday school class, the Builder’s Class.

“They’re just wonderful people, who have taught me a lot and have helped me get through a lot over the years,” said Fry, who has been with the class for over 40 years. “We are there for each other through the good and the bad. We are each other’s support system.”

In addition to being actively involved in the Builder’s Class, Fry has served as an usher for a number of years and has volunteered in many other capacities for the church.

When Bled came calling for some of the church’s older and more experienced members from a variety of professions to take part in a series of adulting classes for FUMC’s college and youth members, the minister said Fry did not hesitate to commit.

“He told me he had been signing a volunteer sheet for a number of years, but no one ever called him,” Bled said. “He was excited, and I was excited to have him on board.”

It later donned on Bled that she never asked Fry what he did for a living. After the two talked for a bit, she finally got around to asking Fry what line of work he was in. Needless to say, upon learning that Fry was an experienced Tulsa divorce lawyer of 50 years, Bled was a little taken aback.

“I was shocked,” Bled said. “I think he just kind of thought everyone knew what he did, but I didn’t. When he told me, I couldn’t help but think how incredible it is for him to be taking a stand like this when his business is the opposite. Just really impactful to say the least.”

While Fry won’t be leaving his Fry & Elder Maple Ridge office at 1616 S. Main Street anytime soon, he is also not planning to vacate his newfound role at FUMC. Fry said he plans on holding another seminar series this spring at FUMC’s The Culture Lab.

“It’s going to be even better,” Fry said. “I got some really good ideas and learned a lot this first time around. I think the older you get the more some of the assumptions you once held onto fall by the wayside. I enjoy working with young people and am excited to be able to give back to the church in this capacity.”

Barteaux Reappointed As Cherokee Nation District Judge

The Honorable T. Luke Barteaux has been reappointed.

Barteaux, who made Fry & Elder history on May 15, 2017 when he became the firm’s first attorney to be sworn in as judge, was reappointed as a Cherokee Nation District Judge on February 12, 2018 by the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. His new term will continue until February of 2022.

Cherokee Nation District Judge

“I feel deeply honored to be reappointed,” Barteaux said. “This is a position that is very important to me and one which comes with a lot of responsibility. To be able to continue to serve the Cherokee Nation in this capacity really is quite an honor and one that I hold very dearly.”

Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Speaker Joe Byrd stated in a release that the court has full confidence in Barteaux and that he will only continue to flourish in the position.

“I believe Judge Luke Barteaux has represented the Cherokee Nation well since he took an oath last year to serve the tribe’s court system. Over the next four years as he becomes accustomed to his position, I expect he’ll continue to bring a level of sophistication to our courts.”

Barteaux’s wife Sarah held the Bible when he was initially sworn in as judge in 2017. This time around, it was Barteaux’s mother Lisa who held the Bible as Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Chief Justice John Garrett administered the oath to the Cherokee Nation District Judge.

“They’re the two most important women in my life,” Barteaux said. “I feel very fortunate to be able to include them in the oath of office ceremony.”

Oklahoma law firm

With Fry & Elder since 2011, Barteaux has distinguished himself as an elite Oklahoma family law attorney whose practice areas include divorce/dissolution of marriage, family law litigation, child custody and visitation, modifications, child support, alimony, guardianships, adoptions, collaborative divorce, legal separation, juvenile law, and mediation.

He has been named to Super Lawyers® Rising Stars every year since 2015 and served as the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section Chair in 2016.

“Luke has done a phenomenal job throughout his career as a trial lawyer,” Fry & Elder partner M. Shane Henry said. “He is highly regarded and has taken on a number of leadership positions with the Oklahoma Bar Association. It is an honor to work alongside of him.

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with Barteaux.

Oklahoma Alimony Support No Longer a Tax Deduction in 2019

Changes to Oklahoma alimony support are on the horizon.

Oklahoma alimony support

Under the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by President Donald Trump, alimony (also known at spousal support) will no longer be deductible by the payor and count as income by the recipient. The provisions will not affect divorce decrees and separation agreements entered before Dec. 31, 2018, but those signed after would be impacted.

The Oklahoma alimony support lawyers of Fry & Elder are well aware that ending the 76-year old deduction could drastically impact many divorce settlement negotiations and agreements and are taking a proactive approach in preparing for the imminent changes set to come to Oklahoma alimony support.

“The change in tax treatment will have obvious effects on settlement agreements, as the tax deduction is often an important consideration when crafting a settlement agreement that includes support alimony,” local attorney Amy Page said in an email directed to Fry & Elder attorneys. “We are aware of these effects and are and will continue to be prepared to educate our clients about them as well.”

Oklahoma Alimony Support Defined

Alimony in Oklahoma and most other states is financial support paid by one spouse to another after divorce. Oklahoma alimony terms can be agreed upon by the parties involved or a judge can decide. Spousal support payments typically come in monthly installments but also can be paid in one large lump sum.

Unlike child support, there is no set formula to determine spousal support in Oklahoma. There also is no set time frame on how long a spouse can expect to pay or receive alimony. When determining the amount of spousal support to be paid, the following components often apply:

  • The length of the marriage
  • The health and age of each spouse
  • The mode of living to which each spouse has become accustomed during the marriage
  • Evidence of a spouse’s own income-producing capacity and the time necessary to make the transition for self-support
  • Demonstrated need during the post-matrimonial economic readjustment period
  • The parties’ station in life
  • The earning ability and education of each spouse
  • The parties’ physical condition and financial means

The Potential Impact of the Tax Provisions to Oklahoma Alimony Support

As Fry & Elder’s teams of attorneys alluded to, changes to the tax treatment of spousal support could be far reaching, particularly at the negotiation table where the ability to use alimony deduction was often a powerful bargaining chip.

With only one year remaining for alimony to be claimed as a deduction, it has been reported that some family law attorneys are advising couples considering divorce to file this year – before the deduction is eliminated.

Politico quoted former American Bar Association Family Law Section Chair Mary Vidas as saying: “Now’s not the time to wait. If you’re going to get a divorce, get it now.”

The reasoning behind Vidas’ recommendation may stem from the fact that with alimony being wiped out as a deduction, more disputes could emerge between the two parties and what they deem as a fair number for spousal support.

“The deduction substantially reduces the cost of alimony payments – for people in the highest income-tax bracket, it means every dollar they spend to support a former spouse really costs them a little more than 60 cents.”

Added Pittsburgh family law attorney Brian Vertz:

“The repeal reduces the bargaining power of vulnerable spouses, mostly women, in achieving financial stability after a divorce.”

Though alimony was historically awarded to the wife, this is not the case anymore. Gender is now irrelevant when determining Oklahoma alimony support, meaning either the husband or wife can receive alimony.

Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference?

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr.’s divorce philosophy to “always seek mediation and resolution first, but when a compromise can’t be made to shoot all the bullets you have and throw the empty gun at them” has long been a hallmark of the firm. That said, Fry & Elder has remained proactive in staying up to date with Oklahoma family law practices, including spousal support.

The firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List every year since 2014 and Is comprised of an experienced team of family law attorneys which include:

Should you have any additional questions in regards to Oklahoma alimony support or any other family law matter, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder Tulsa today to set up a personal consultation with a proven family law attorney.

Accomplished Tulsa Divorce Attorney Fry Embraces 50th Year

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. found himself in an awkward situation last summer in Ireland. Turns out, driving on the opposite side of the road requires a bit of getting used to – not that the acclaimed Tulsa divorce attorney had difficulty adjusting to the other side of the road.

No, Fry did just fine. He successfully navigated his way along the picturesque country’s Eastern coast and through the Ring of Kerry. Successful navigation, though, has been a hallmark of Fry’s legal career since its inception in 1968.

Tulsa divorce attorney Robert G "Hap" Fry Jr.

Accomplished Tulsa Divorce Attorney Fry Still Going Strong at 50

The elite Tulsa divorce and child custody attorney recently celebrated a birthday on Dec. 19 to signify the beginning of his 50th year practicing law.

When it comes to Oklahoma family law, there is not much Fry has not achieved. He is one of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is an eight-time Best Lawyers® selection and is an 11-time Super Lawyers honoree.

Fry also was named the Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma 2016 and this past summer – shortly before his drive along the Irish coastline – joined the likes of John Wayne, Brad Pitt and David Letterman as a Significant Sig Award winner.

While there might not be much left for him to achieve professionally, Fry embarks on his 50th year still going strong and anticipating another busy and very productive year.

“I feel great,” Fry said. “I understand that I might not have the same energy I had 20 years ago, but I feel very good and I am a whole lot wiser at this stage of my career. I don’t think many people enter their respective profession thinking they will work in it for 50 years, and I didn’t either. I realize I am extremely fortunate to be in this position. Practicing law is something I continue to find very rewarding and challenging each day.

“Our firm has grown so much these past couple of years which has been a lot of fun to be a part of and observe. We’ve really got an incredible staff together that’s just been a joy to work with and has kept me feeling young and energetic. I am very blessed and there is much to look forward to here at Fry & Elder.”

Tulsa divorce attorney Robert G "Hap" Fry Jr. and Badger

Fry & Elder, Fry Jr. Continue to Grow

As the accomplished Tulsa divorce attorney alluded to, Fry & Elder has experienced immense growth in the past two years. The renowned Oklahoma law firm’s accomplished team of attorneys has increased from 5 to its current roster of 12 since 2015. The firm also offers immigration law, criminal defense and personal injury law services to compliment its highly-regarded family law services.

Fry & Elder has been named to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List every year since 2014, and the firm’s lineup of trial lawyers includes the following:

Though the firm has grown exponentially the past few years, Fry & Elder’s trial lawyers continue to seek out Fry for wisdom and perspective.

“He’s a legend,” said Fry & Elder partner M. Shane Henry, who joined Fry in Best Lawyers this year. “To have the longevity that he has had is remarkable, but even more remarkable is the fact that he has operated at such a high level throughout his career. It really is incredible. Our attorneys and myself have learned and continue to learn so much from him.”

Premier Tulsa Divorce Lawyer Reflects on Changes in Family Law

As a high-level practicing Tulsa divorce lawyer for 50 years, there is not much Fry has not seen or encountered in the realm of family law. He was proactive in embracing and advancing the changes in child support guidelines in the 1980s, presenting CLE seminars on the changes to the Tulsa County Bar Association.

“The guidelines were needed,” Fry said. “Child support comes before car payments, mortgages and other expenses.”

Fry also championed the efforts of fathers being granted child custody when the “norm” was for the mother to typically gain custody of the child.

Through it all, Fry has been a trailblazer of sorts in Oklahoma family law, but he has always been guided by two constants which he learned while clerking for Judge Robert D. Simms in 1966 and 1967 and he conveyed in a 2016 article by the Tulsa Business & Legal News. The first is to “always be prepared.”

The second:

“I deal with other lawyers every day and tell them what I am going to do,” Fry said. “I deal in trust and letters follow on the more complicated cases. Your word is your bond.”

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with Fry or one of the firm’s many other accomplished Tulsa divorce attorneys.

United Kingdom’s Divorce Day Reinforces Seasonal Divorce Claim

“Divorce Day” is upon us.

Well, not exactly but Divorce Day is a legitimate calendar day in the United Kingdom where the first working Monday in January following the holiday is designated as Divorce Day.

Divorce Day

The reasoning?

According to an article published in the U.S. News & World Report: The “London-based divorce support service Amicable reports that more than 40,500 people in the U.K. are expected to search ‘divorce’ online in January – a rate that is nearly 25 percent higher than the usual traffic generated by the term.”

Amicable founder Kate Daly did qualify that report by stating that the sensation really is “more of a ‘divorce month’ than a divorce day, as people find private time at different points in their post-holiday schedules.”

The data backs up Daly’s claim. Divorce rates increased 5.8 percent between 2015 and 2016 in England and Wales according to the Office for National Statistics.

The United States Can Relate to Divorce Day

While there is no set and defined “Divorce Day” in the U.S., there has long been a prevailing belief by many that seasonal divorce spikes do indeed occur.

This myth was validated to a degree by researchers at the University of Washington, who unveiled a 2016 study at the American Sociological Association’s annual meeting which revealed that seasonal divorce spikes exist in the months of March and August – “the periods following the winter and summer holidays.”

The study produced by sociology professor Julie Brines and then doctoral candidate Brian Serafini is believed to be the “first quantitative evidence of a seasonal, biannual pattern of filings for divorce.” It took place from 2001 through 2015 and documented every divorce filing in Washington state during those 15 years.

Why Divorce Rates Spike During Certain Times

There likely are many contributing factors that contribute to an increase in divorce filings during certain time frames. As Brines and Serafini concluded in their research: “troubled couples may see the holidays as a time to mend relationships and start anew: We’ll have a happy Christmas together as a family or take the kids for a nice camping trip, the thinking goes, and things will be better.” However, when things fail to improve, the foundation has been laid for action to take place which often comes in the form of a divorce or separation.

Fry & Elder partner and experienced divorce attorney M. Shane Henry believes action can take place during any time of the year, but said he is not surprised that evidence indicates that seasonal divorce is in fact a legitimate phenomenon.

“The holidays are often a stressful time for many couples,” Henry said. “That time period can often serve as the catalyst for someone to take action and remove themselves from an unsatisfying or toxic relationship.”

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

While Fry & Elder and its team of attorneys hopes everyone enjoyed the holiday season, if you or someone close to you has decided to take action and remove themselves from an unsavory relationship, we encourage you to set up a consultation with a proven and experienced divorce attorney.

Fry & Elder has been named to the acclaimed U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List each of the past five years and includes the following lineup of attorneys:

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with an accomplished Tulsa divorce attorney.

Oklahoma Law Firm Enjoys Memorable 2017, Excited For 2018

Happy New Year!

Not that the prestigious Oklahoma law firm Fry & Elder is all that sad to see 2017 go.

By all accounts, 2017 was one for the ages for Fry & Elder and its talented team of attorneys and legal personnel. While the firm’s roots date back to 1932, C. Lawrence Elder, Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., James R. Elder and M. Shane Henry would be hard-pressed to identify a more memorable or significant year in Fry & Elder’s storied history.

“It was an incredible year for this firm,” Fry said. “We have grown exponentially and the firm’s future could not be brighter. We enjoyed a tremendous 2017 and are looking forward to an even bigger 2018.”

The Headquarters Building Becomes Fry & Elder’s New Tulsa Home

Of all the memorable events for Fry & Elder in 2017, none may have been bigger than when the notable Oklahoma law firm moved into its new state-of-the-art Tulsa office – The Headquarters Building – this past October. The 11,200 square-foot facility features 19 offices, four conference rooms, a large training room with full kitchen, a gym and shower facilities.

The Maple Ridge office facility, located at 1616 S. Main Street, is expected to be the firm’s Tulsa home for many years to come.

“It’s a game changer,” Henry said back in October. “We’re proud of it …. We hope it’s our home for many years to come.”

Western Expansion: Fry & Elder Oklahoma City Opens

Fry & Elder Oklahoma City technically opened its offices late in 2016, but the firm waited until early 2017 to publicly announce that is was actively accepting cases and inquires in the realms of Oklahoma City family law, criminal defense, immigration law and personal injury law

Allyson Dow spearheads Fry & Elder Oklahoma City’s team of attorneys, which also includes T. Luke Barteaux, Aaron D. Bundy and Henry.

Dow, who is Henry’s younger sister, became the third Fry & Elder attorney in the past four years to serve as the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section Chair in 2017. She was also named to Super Lawyers® Rising Stars for a third consecutive year.

Fry & Elder Bolsters Staff with Page, Calvillo

Perhaps the biggest indicator as to the growth Fry & Elder experienced in 2017 were the key additions of family law attorney Amy Page and immigration law attorney Ruth Calvillo.

Page joined Fry & Elder in March of 2017 after a successful 17-year tenure with the Department of Human Services (DHS). Much of Page’s practice focuses on child support and enforcement.

Calvillo, meanwhile, joined Lorena Rivas’ talented immigration law team in April of 2017. She completed the OBA FLS Trial Advocacy Institute and also gave a passionate speech to the University of Tulsa College of Law’s incoming class of law students this past August.

Continuing Legal Education and Professional Development Emphasized

Fry & Elder attorneys’ commitment to CLE went above and beyond in 2017. Nowhere might that commitment be better signified than when Bundy and Henry received the illustrious Earl Sneed Award for their significant and outstanding continuing legal education contributions during the 2017 OBA Annual Meeting.

“Continuing legal education is something Shane and I strongly believe in, as well as the rest of the trial lawyer here at Fry & Elder,” Bundy said. “We’ve been fortunate to have been able to present and attend some really outstanding and thought-provoking seminars, which, we truly believe, has only made us better advocates for our clients.”

Fry & Elder attorney Melissa Fell traveled across the Atlantic Ocean – to London – for a professional development opportunity, while Rivas visited our nation’s capital to take part in the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s National Day of Action. Other firm attorneys traveled to the following locales for CLE seminars and conferences.

Barteaux Makes Fry & Elder History with Appointment

While Fry & Elder has had many notable achievements during its impressive tenure, the firm had never had an attorney appointed to judge until Barteaux was confirmed as Cherokee Nation District Court Judge on May 15, 2017.

Shortly after being appointed, Barteaux stated:

“I feel deeply honored to be appointed as District Judge, by Bill John Baker, Chief of the Cherokee Nation. My Native American heritage is very significant and sacred to me. To be able to assist and serve the Cherokee Nation in this type of capacity is quite an honor and a big responsibility.”

Media Continues to Cast Spotlight on Elite Oklahoma Law Firm

Barteaux’s confirmation as a Cherokee District Court Judge was just one of many feats by the firm the Oklahoma media chose to spotlight.

All total, Fry & Elder and its attorneys were the subject of a staggering 11 different articles and feature stories in 2017 by some of the largest and most prestigious outlets in the state.

Oklahoma Law Firm Continues to Receive Honors, Accolades and Awards

For the fifth consecutive year, Fry & Elder was named to the elite U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List. The honor was one of many highlights during an autumn week in which the firm moved to its new Tulsa office location and Bundy and Henry received the Earl Sneed Award.

Best Lawyers® also named Fry Jr. and Henry to its 24th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. It was Fry Jr.’s eighth consecutive year to be selected and Henry’s first year to be honored.

Other notable accolades Fry & Elder and its attorneys garnered in 2017 include:

Yes, by all accounts 2017 was a banner year for Fry & Elder and its attorneys. With that said, the firm is happy to usher in 2018 and is excited for what the prospects of the new year hold for the Oklahoma law firm.

“No doubt about it, we had a great year in 2017,” Henry said, “But we’re expecting even bigger things to happen in 2018. The firm is growing and our future is bright. We only want to do bigger and better things here at Fry & Elder. We’re a team.”

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with a distinguished Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Experienced Tulsa DUI Defense Lawyers Provide Sound Advice

While the acclaimed Oklahoma law firm of Fry & Elder has been primarily known for its excellence in family law the past 50 years, the firm, which has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List each of the past five years, also provides exceptional criminal defense for a variety of criminal matters including DUI (driving under the influence).

Tulsa DUI defense lawyers

It’s no secret to anyone that DUI’s are a big deal. Driving under the influence is considered a crime in every state and DUI charges are handled in criminal court. Depending on the circumstances, Oklahoma DUI convictions can lead to everything from a license suspension to jail or prison time. Those punishments are even more compounded by the financial loss and psychological impact that a DUI conviction can impose on someone.

The Tulsa DUI defense lawyers at Fry & Elder encourage everyone to make safe decisions this holiday season and avoiding getting behind the wheel if you have had too much to drink. Research indicates, however, that there is an increase in DUI stops on or around New Year’s.

What Does the Research Indicate?

According to a report by Scram® Systems, 40 percent of all highway deaths that occur during the holiday season (Blackout Wednesday through January 2) are caused by drunk drivers. The Oklahoman recently reported that nearly 800 people died across the nation in December of 2016 as a result of “drunk-driving related crashes” and that “nearly 30 percent of those who died in traffic crashes were in incidents involving a driver with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher. In Oklahoma that percentage was 50 percent.”

The Oklahoma City media outlet also indicated that law-enforcement officials throughout the state “will work around the clock to keep vehicle drivers and passengers safe as they search for drunk drivers.”

Fry & Elder’s Tulsa DUI defense lawyers, again, want you to utilize sound judgement this holiday season, but in the unfortunate event that you do get stopped for DUI, it is imperative that you seek consultation with an experienced team of Tulsa DUI defense lawyers.

Tulsa DUI defense lawyers

Courtesy of Scram Systems

Why Consult with an Accomplished Team of Tulsa DUI Defense Lawyers?

DUI law is complicated, meaning that it is difficult for someone with little to no experience in handling DUI cases to properly assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case. The fact of the matter is, there is too much on the line to not consult with an attorney experienced in handling DUI cases.

While you can choose to be represented by a public defender, hiring a private attorney typically has more advantages. These include:

  • Additional one-on-one consultation time
  • A greater chance for desired results or outcome
  • Less time in court

Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference?

Fry & Elder not only has a team of skilled Tulsa DUI defense lawyers, the firm provides after-hours special emergency legal assistance. Its decorated lineup of trial lawyers include:

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with a distinguished Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Reasons To Request An Oklahoma Child Custody Modification

Sometimes it takes the holiday season for a parent to realize that their current child custody agreement is no longer working in their favor or in the best interest of the child. Fry & Elder’s team of accomplished Oklahoma family law attorneys understand the importance, sensitivity and urgency in which child custody modifications need to be addressed. Below are four reasons why a parent should request an Oklahoma child custody modification.

Oklahoma child custody modification

REASON 1: When the Present Oklahoma Child Custody Agreement is not in the Best Interest of Your Child

Because Oklahoma is one of many states that applies the “best interest of the child” standard when determining visitation and child custody issues, this needs to be at the forefront of a parent’s request for an Oklahoma child custody modification.

A judge will typically not consider a child custody modification if the present agreement appears to be working for both parties involved and meeting the best interests of the child. A parent wishing to make a modification would need to show that the other party is not meeting the child’s best interest standard through questioning the parenting ability and consistency of the other parent.

REASON 2: If You Believe Your Child is in Danger

If there are legitimate reasons why you believe your child is in danger or is not safe, the courts will look very closely at a child custody modification. Examples of your child being in an unsafe environment might be constituted by acts of domestic violence, physical or psychological abuse and neglect.

REASON 3: When the Agreed Upon Visitation Schedule is Repeatedly Violated by Your Ex

The courts are likely to consider an Oklahoma child custody modification when a parent is not following the agreed upon parenting plan and not cooperating with the visitation schedule. Lack of communication and respect are often at the core of these violations taking place. The parent looking for a modification would want to document instances and examples of these violations.

REASON 4: When a Parent is Considering Relocation

Oklahoma courts typically do no want to remove a child from his or her established environment and routine. When a party is considering relocation, and moving the child out of state or to a distant location, a judge will want to look into a parent’s motivation for relocating, if the parents have communicated about a solution to modify the visitation schedule and whether a child’s life would be interrupted by a move or modification.

Other Things to Consider in Regards to an Oklahoma Child Custody Modification

For a modification to be strongly considered, a parent would need to show that a child’s best interests are not being met under the current agreement. The parent would need to prove that there is or has been a change in conduct in which the child’s best interest would be better served with a modification.

Oklahoma City child custody modification

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

Whether you are inquiring about an Oklahoma child custody modification or another family law, criminal law or immigration law issue, Fry & Elder has the experience and team in place to help you successfully navigate through your legal issue. The firm’s talented lineup of the attorneys has helped the Fry & Elder be named to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List each of the past five years and includes the following trial lawyers:

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with a distinguished and accomplished Oklahoma trial lawyer.

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