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Longtime Paralegals Latest to Garner Media Spotlight for Elite Firm

Fry & Elder is no stranger to the media spotlight, but the final week of March took on a whole new level of notoriety for the nationally prominent Oklahoma law firm.

media spotlight

Tulsa journalists converged on Fry & Elder not once, twice but thrice for feature stories.

Immigration attorney Lorena Rivas was the subject of two articles for her recent travels to Washington D.C. and for winning the prestigious Fern Holland Award.

If that weren’t enough long-time Fry & Elder paralegals Joyce Caldwell and Judy Willits were the subject of a center-piece story on March 28, giving the elite Tulsa law firm back-to-back-to-back cover stories in the Tulsa Business & Legal News.

“Very pleased that (Ralph Schaefer) decided to do a story on those two,” Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. said. “Joyce and Judy are as big a reason for this firm’s success and longevity over the years as anyone. They are both incredibly loyal and very hard-working. We are very fortunate to have them here at Fry & Elder.”

Caldwell, Willits’ Loyalty with Fry & Elder Has Remained Steadfast Over the Years

As Fry alluded to, the article highlighted Caldwell and Willits’ remarkable tenure with the firm that has combined to span for over 70 years and counting.

Caldwell began working at the firm in 1969 under C. Lawrence Elder and then for Fry in 1972. Other than a brief stint with another firm and a move to Connecticut, Caldwell has worked closely with Fry as his financial paralegal.

In the article, Caldwell discussed how no two days are the same.

As Schaeffer wrote:

“A person is constantly learning, assisting individuals with family issues either through a marriage, a modification of support after a divorce decree or other issues. The atmosphere always is changing, and there are so many people with diverse problems.”

Divorce and child custody trials often bring about an array challenges which are emotional and sensitive, but success can follow once the parties have worked their way through the process.

Caldwell reflected on two challenging child custody cases involving fathers and young children which were satisfying.

“The mothers (sadly) were unstable and we were fortunate enough to get full custody of the children for the fathers,” Caldwell said. “We have watched them grow to become productive, good students, and both are doing very well. One is in high school, the other college. It is very satisfying knowing we have been part of changing someone’s life for the better.”

After joining Fry & Elder in the 80s as a file clerk, Willits’ role with the firm rapidly evolved into an irreplaceable one as Fry’s personal paralegal.

She maintains the acclaimed Tulsa divorce lawyer’s files, but her primary roles is to make sure Fry is organized and prepared for anything and everything that they might see in trial.

Willits was quoted in the article saying:

“When Mr. Fry says to do this or that, I am so familiar with the procedure that I can do whatever needs to be done. I handle most of his really bad divorce cases that involve custody, abuse — stuff like that … He treats me more like an attorney than an assistant. He trusts and depends on me.”

media spotlight

Standout Personnel Staff a Hallmark of Elite Tulsa Law Firm

Though Caldwell and Willits were featured in the article, the duo is far from the only exceptional members of Fry & Elder’s outstanding legal personnel team which has now, deservedly so, received some notoriety.

The team also includes the firm’s project coordinator Allison Smith, family law and criminal law paralegals Deborah Lauderdale and Kathy Keener, legal assistant Amy Figueroa and immigration legal assistants Esther Salas and Rosie Renteria.

“It’s a very hardworking and dedicated team,” Fry & Elder partner M. Shane Henry said. “We are extremely fortunate to have them here at Fry & Elder. They do so much for us day-in, day-out.”

The acclaimed Oklahoma law firm also boasts a talented team of interns – several of which are multilingual and aspiring attorneys.

Media Continues to Seek out Prominent Oklahoma Law Firm for Legal News, Compelling Story-lines

It is not a very common practice for a media outlet to choose to profile a law firm’s paralegals, but Fry & Elder continues to prove it is not the common Oklahoma law firm.

Led by an aggressive and creative public relations and marketing approach which began in 2014, Fry & Elder and its attorneys and legal support staff has been the subject of an eye-popping 36 stories by various Oklahoma media outlets. The firm has been featured six times alone thus far in 2018.

The list of 36 articles written about Fry & Elder since 2014 include:

“We very much appreciate the efforts of our local media to promote many of our attorneys and their achievements,” Fry said. “We began incorporating a more proactive approach to promote the firm in 2014 and it has paid big dividends without question. The number of articles written about the firm is just one example of our marketing efforts paying off.”

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

Fry & Elder’s team of attorneys in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City are some of the most decorated in the state. The lineup includes the following:

Whether you are need of consultation in family law, criminal law, immigration law or personal injury law matters know that Fry & Elder’s team of trial lawyers has the experience and aptitude in place to help best navigate you through the process. Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with a proven trial lawyer who will aggressively fight for you in and out of the courtroom.

Tulsa Immigration Attorney Rivas’ Feats Net Spotlight

Lorena Rivas just might have become the most publicized attorney in Tulsa County. The acclaimed Tulsa immigration attorney was the subject of not just one but two profile pieces on consecutive days — March 26 and March 27 – by the Tulsa Business & Legal News.

“It was a little surprising and a little flattering,” Rivas said. “I spoke with one of the reporters a couple of weeks ago, so I knew he was working on something and then I heard from the other reporter and knew she also was working on a story.  I thought they both did a good job.”

Tulsa immigration attorney

Tulsa Immigration Attorney to Receive Prestigious Fern Holland Award

Rivas was spotlighted by Sharon Bishop-Baldwin in Tuesday’s TB&LN for being named the 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner.

Presented by the TU College of Law’s Women’s Law Caucus, the honor is given to a lawyer who advocates for human rights or the empowerment of women which Rivas has valiantly done since graduating TU College of Law in 2012. Rivas will be presented with the award during a banquet Thursday at The Pearl District Building.

Holland attended TU Law and was a practicing Tulsa attorney before joining the Peace Corps and then working for the Coalition Provisional Authority during the Iraq Conflict to fight for women’s rights and to help Iraqis establish a democratic government.

Described as a “doer not a doubter,” Holland’s efforts and legacy are well documented. She became the first American civilian to be killed in the Iraq Conflict when the Bluejacket native and 2004 Oklahoman of the Year was tragically shot by Iraqi insurgents dressed as Iraqi police on March 9,2004.

Rivas has this to say about Holland in the article:

“She was an amazing individual. She was willing to lose her life while fighting for a very worthy cause and the voiceless. I hope that when I’m gone, people will look at my life and think something similar: ‘She was willing to tell the stories of the voiceless and fight for them.’ In my case, it’s immigrants.”

The article examined Rivas’ immigration law background, which the highly-regarded Tulsa immigration attorney so eloquently explained to a captivated crowd this past fall at the University of Central Oklahoma.

The article also discussed some of the challenges Rivas faces in today’s immigration law climate, yet that she continues to have hope that immigrants will remain resilient.

“… I do see good things on the horizon for immigrants in the U.S., and this is all because I believe in the power of immigrants. The current political climate has not only stirred and awakened hateful voices, but it also has stirred and awakened the hopeful and persistent voices of everyday immigrant-rights activists.

“This country was founded by revolutionists and immigrants. They have shown time and time again they will persist and win.”

Tulsa immigration attorney

Leading Tulsa Media Outlet Also Reports on Rivas’ Visit to Nation’s Capital

The Tulsa Business & Legal News also sent longtime legal reporter Ralph Schaefer out to report on Rivas’ recent trip to Washington D.C. where she attended the Hispanic National Bar Association 2018 Advocacy Day and met with legislators to advocate for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).

The article highlighted Rivas’ meeting with Oklahoma Rep. Steve Russell, who is supportive of the Dreamers, and of a growing frustration that a long-term solution and path toward citizenship may not be available in the foreseeable future.

Said Rivas:

“Even though some congressional members want a more permanent solution, I think they will have to give into a temporary fix until after the mid-term election this year and after the next presidential election.

“… “I tell clients to hold on to the hope for a solution and talk to their congressman/ I also tell them to tell people who are active and willing to express their voices that they need help. I also tell them that as long as they don’t get into serious problems, don’t get into bad situations and don’t get a criminal arrest, they should be OK.”

Tulsa immigration attorney

Respected Tulsa Immigration Attorney One of Several Fry & Elder Attorneys to Garner Media Attention

That Rivas was the primary subject of back-to-back articles by an Oklahoma media outlet is not all that surprising.

Fry & Elder and its decorated team of attorneys are actually quite used to the spotlight.

All total, Fry & Elder and the firm’s attorneys have been profiled a staggering 35 times since 2014, including five times this year so far.

Schaefer, a 2017 Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame inductee, has made his way to the Fry & Elder offices on numerous occasions, as have several other highly-regarded Oklahoma journalists and media outlets.

“We really appreciate all that they do for the Tulsa legal community,” Rivas said. “They don’t really have the easiest job, but they work hard and do a good job keeping the public informed.”

Below are the links to the 35 articles written about Fry & Elder.

Prestigious Tulsa Law Firm No Stranger to Awards, Accolades

The 2018 Fern Holland Award is just the most recent honor for the decorated Tulsa immigration attorney. In 2016, Rivas was also recognized by Tulsa Business & Legal News as being one of the city’s most accomplished professional women with their annual Women of Distinction Awards.

The leading Tulsa immigration attorney is one of several Fry & Elder attorneys to singled out for their significant legal contributions, which has helped the firm be named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firm’s List every year since 2014. The elite Oklahoma law firm’s attorneys include the following:

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a personal consultation with Rivas or another one of the firm’s experienced trial lawyers.

Elite Tulsa Law Firm Has Always Fought For Wrongfully Accused

As an elite Tulsa law firm with roots dating back to 1932 when C. Lawrence Elder began trying cases in Oklahoma courtrooms, Fry & Elder has achieved no shortage of legal feats.

Elite Tulsa Law Firm

The nationally-acclaimed firm’s trial lawyers have donned multiple legal hats, taken on many leadership positions and received numerous honors over the past 86 years. Fry & Elder’s attorneys actively practice Oklahoma family law, immigration law, criminal law and personal injury law cases.

One legal role no Fry & Elder trial lawyer, however, has played in the elite Tulsa law firm’s illustrious history has been that of a prosecutor.

“That is a point of pride for us, especially in criminal defense work” Fry & Elder trial lawyer Aaron Bundy said. “The entire careers of every lawyer working here at Fry & Elder have been dedicated to helping individuals, including fighting for the wrongfully accused.”

Bundy and fellow Fry & Elder trial lawyer and partner M. Shane Henry focus much of their respective practice areas on criminal defense work, including protective orders, federal criminal defense, bullying and DUI.

“I think with all of the technology and media coverage in place today, it is now easier than ever before for the court of public opinion to presume the accused is guilty and not innocent,” Bundy said. “But the judicial system has and will continue to operate under the presumption that one is innocent until proven guilty.”

Elite Tulsa Law Firm

Fighting for the Wrongfully Accused Often Comes with Prosecutor Bias

In 2017, Bundy and Henry traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers® 2017 Midwinter Meeting & Seminar where the two AV-Rated attorneys listened in as legendary criminal defense mastermind Barry Scheck presented.

Perhaps no other attorney is more well-versed in advocating for the wrongfully accused than Scheck. He co-founded the Innocence Project which has exonerated innocent, yet wrongfully convicted individuals like Michael Morton.  

Morton was released from prison in 2011 after serving nearly 25 years in prison after he was wrongfully convicted of his wife’s murder.

Morton publicly unveiled his remarkable and tragic story in his book “Getting Life: An Innocent Man’s 25-Year Journey from Prison to Peace” which also documented the unethical work of prosecuting attorney Ken Anderson.

Anderson was arrested and jailed after a court of inquiry found that the Morton’s former prosecutor had failed to “provide defense lawyers with exculpatory evidence indicating that another man might have killed Morton’s wife, including information that his 3-year-old son witnessed the murder and said his dad was not home at the time.”

Unfortunately, Anderson’s tale is not the only example of prosecutor immorality. As The Hill reported in a 2017 article:

“Traditionally, prosecutors are seen as measuring success in terms of convictions, plea bargains or the amount of punishment exacted.”

Titled “Criminal justice reform starts with the prosecutor,” the piece discussed how some 24 prosecutors from across the country met to discuss changes to their roles in the criminal justice system.

Adam Foss is an assistant district attorney in Suffolk County, Massachusetts had this to say: “Prosecutors are the most powerful actors in the criminal justice system. Our power is virtually boundless.”

When discussing the mindset of many prosecuting attorneys, Foss added this insight:

“For the most part, prosecutors step on the job with little appreciation of the impact of our decisions, regardless of our intent. Prosecutors aren’t really incentivized to be creative. … We stick to an outdated method that is counterproductive to achieving the goal that we all want, which is safer communities.”

Elite Tulsa Law Firm Attorneys Who Will Fight for You

If you are investigated or charged with a crime, you will need to contact an experienced criminal law defense attorney. Should you decide to contact Fry & Elder, you can have the peace of mind that no lawyer at the firm has ever worked on behalf of the government to accuse people of crimes

Furthermore, the elite Tulsa law firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firm’s List every year since 2014. The renowned law firm’s lineup of attorneys includes the following:

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa today to set up a personal consultation with a proven trial lawyer who will aggressively fight for you in and out of the courtroom.

The Best Oklahoma Immigration Lawyers Are In High Demand

As one of the best Oklahoma immigration lawyers, Lorena Rivas’ knowledge, experience and acumen are constantly in high demand.

That was indeed the case the case this past February when Rivas not only handled the demands of her busy private practice, the accomplished Fry & Elder immigration law attorney was also invited to be a part of an Immigration Law Panel hosted by her alma mater, the University of Tulsa College of Law and traveled to Capitol Hill to participate in the Hispanic National Bar Association’s 2018 Advocacy Day.

If that were not enough, the talented and sought-after immigration attorney somehow fit in the time to be the keynote speaker for The Judge Carlos Chappelle Minority Law Awareness Day also held at TU.

“It was a pretty busy month, but immigration law is a very important issue in Oklahoma and throughout our country right now,” Rivas said. “These were all exciting and informative professional opportunities for me to participate in and advocate for my clients and others affected by immigration law. For progress to happen, there must be dialogue.”

Rivas Among Best Oklahoma Immigration Lawyers in Washington D.C.

Rivas most recent voyage to Capitol Hill marked the second consecutive year one of the best Oklahoma immigration lawyers has been courted to visit Washington D.C.

She attended last year’s American Immigration Lawyers Association’s National Day of Action and met with U.S. Senators James Inhofe and James Lankford, U.S. Representatives Frank Lucas, Markwayne Mullin and James Bridenstine and also had a personal meeting with U.S. Representative Tom Cole.

This time around, Rivas met with staff members from Bridenstine and U.S. Representative Steve Russell to further advocate for a number of different issues that affect the Latino community, including the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Typically held in May, this year’s HNBA Advocacy Day was pushed up to Feb. 27 and 28 to allow HNBA members a more-timely platform to advocate and “express why DACA legislation is vital to the future of this country.”

President Donald Trump had previously imposed a March 5 deadline for ending DACA, but, as PBS recently reported, that “program, which protects young, undocumented immigrants from deportation, remains in place for now.”

“It’s a vital program which needs to be kept in place,” Rivas said. “I would not be where I am today without it. Congress needs to apply a long-term solution and not just a patch.”

Other issues that dominated this year’s HNBA Advocacy Day included:

Rivas Returns to Law School Alma Mater as a Member of a Distinguished Panel and as Keynote Speaker

Some of Rivas’ most fulfilling and challenging years came as a law school student at TU. So when the prestigious law school’s immigration law society ImmLaw invited Rivas to be a part of a panel for a forum held Feb. 19, Rivas jumped at the opportunity.

“I will forever be in debt to the knowledge and opportunities TU Law provided me with and continues to provide me,” Rivas said. “It was a great event that featured some very highly-respected professionals within Tulsa. It was an honor to be among them.”

The event’s panel featured Jania Michelle Wester (Managing Director of Communities in Schools of Mid-America) Elizabeth McCormick (TU College of Law faculty) and Stephanie Daniels-Jackson (former Sergeant of the Family Violence Unit of the Tulsa Police Department and third-year law student at TU), along with one of the best Oklahoma immigration attorneys Rivas.

No stranger to featured speaking engagements, Rivas also served as the keynote speaker for the annual Judge Carlos Chappelle Minority Law Awareness Day co-hosted by TU Law and the Law School Admission Council held on Feb. 23. The late Judge Carlos Chappelle had a decorated and distinguished career as Tulsa County District Judge.

Rivas Demonstrates Qualities of One of the Best Oklahoma Immigration Lawyers

While only six years removed from law school, Rivas already has already established herself as a very in-demand immigration law attorney. Rivas provides comprehensive legal representation in the following areas of immigration law:

In 2016, Rivas was recognized by the Tulsa Business & Legal News as being one of the city’s most accomplished professional women with their annual Women of Distinction Awards.

A native of Mutual, Oklahoma, Rivas is a first-generation American who takes great pride in being able to represent the Oklahoma Latino community as an attorney.

“I’m a Mexican-American,” Lorena Rivas said. “Immigration law is something that is constantly hitting my life, whether it be family members, friends or my clients. In law school, I initially thought I wouldn’t go into immigration law, but I started thinking about it more, and felt like I could make a bigger impact in that area.”

Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa today to set up a personal consultation with Rivas or another accomplished Oklahoma immigration law 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.

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