Fry & Elder Tulsa Law Firm

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Tips To Keep Divorce Financial Implications To A Minimum

Divorce financial implications

Though often difficult, making the decision to go ahead and get a divorce can be a great solution for many on how to get out of an unhealthy relationship. That said, there is no way around some of the heartache and emotional baggage that divorce can bring to many. Divorce financial implications also should not be lost in the conversation. Divorce is expensive. From child support to alimony to attorney’s fees, one’s tab can add up quickly. There also are more unexpected financial factors that could come into play which the Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder wishes to convey with you so that you can better protect yourself financially, before, during and after the divorce.

Know what debt you are responsible for and what debt your ex is responsible after the divorce?

Just because your marriage has ended in divorce does not mean that your debt has been terminated. A good Tulsa divorce lawyer will thoroughly go over the parameters of your divorce agreement and what debt you are individually responsible for, what debt your ex is responsible for and what debt you are jointly accountable for settling.  As far as divorce financial implications go, debt is among the most problematic people face. For any joint debt that you agree to pay off together after the divorce, make sure that you are aware of the fact that if your ex does not pay his or her share, the creditor could potentially come after you. Above all, consult with an elite Tulsa divorce attorney so that you can have a good game plan in place that best fits your post-divorce needs.

Get your debts refinanced or paid off before the divorce if at all possible

In all probability, you will have some debt hanging over your head after your divorce. But the more debt you can get paid off before the divorce is finalized the better off you will be in the long run. This might mean closing out joint credit cards and having some managed by just one individual party. If one party ends up keeping a home or residence after the divorce, then that mortgage should be refinanced under his or her name.

Update your will and other important paperwork

Not only is updating your will important for obvious reasons after a divorce, you also will want to talk to your Tulsa divorce attorney about filing new beneficiary designation paperwork for insurance policies and retirements plans. Updating the necessary paperwork will better ensure your wishes will be honored and also better safeguard you against divorce financial implications that could become long and drawn out.

Know that future divorce financial implications could be on the horizon

If you are going through a divorce, know that there are numerous reasons why you should contact an experienced and proven Tulsa divorce attorney. This is yet another reason why it is imperative that you do so. If you suspect that your ex might file bankruptcy or that you might have incurred more debt than you initially thought, your attorney will help you devise a game plan that will help you best get through the process. For instance, your attorney will explain that even if your ex files for bankruptcy, child support payments will not be eliminated.

Experience the Fry & Elder difference

If you are looking for an acclaimed and prominent Tulsa divorce attorney, look no further than the law firm of Fry & Elder. Robert G “Hap” Fry is one of only 19 attorneys in the state to be named a  Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He also was named the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by the renown legal publication Best Lawyers®.

Fellow Fry & Elder attorneys M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and James R. Elder, along with Fry, have each garnered the prestigious AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Additionally, Fry & Elder’s Kirsten Bernhardt has proven her prowess in both bench and jury trials, once winning a judgement in excess of $10 million from Coca-Cola. Lorena Rivas is a highly-regarded Oklahoma immigration law attorney, while fellow colleague Luke Barteaux has been named a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™.

Fry & Elder attorney Katie Egan is licensed to practice in three states and the firm’s Melissa Fell focuses much of her family law practice on the “concierge attorney.” Collectively, the talented staff of attorneys at Fry & Elder have led the firm to national recognition. The U.S. News & World Report has named the firm to its list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016. Help avoid any further divorce financial implications by contacting an elite Tulsa divorce attorney today.

Oklahoma Post-Divorce Insurance Changes That Might Occur

Oklahoma post-divorce insurance changes

All sorts of changes occur when one goes through a divorce. These range from emotional, physical and financial adjustments one will need to endure. The iconic Tulsa law firm of Fry & Elder realizes this and wishes to provide you with some additional information and answers to some common questions in regards to Oklahoma post-divorce insurance changes that could transpire after a divorce. These include:

  • Health Insurance
  • Car Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Home Insurance
  • Disability Insurance

What Oklahoma post-divorce health insurance changes may I encounter?

For obvious reasons, health insurance is important. If you have your own health insurance you will be able to keep it active, but it becomes a little tricky if you’re a dependent. There are three health insurance scenarios that you will need to research.

Option 1 would be to buy an Oklahoma health insurance policy from a health insurance company.

Option 2 would be to get a health insurance policy through your employer if it is offered. You will want to talk to your supervisor or human resources director to learn more about the parameters.

Option 3 would be to continue to keep yourself on your ex’s health plan but pay for it yourself. This can be achieved by administering COBRA insurance as your coverage provider. Federal law mandates that individuals who suffer a significant life change such as divorce be given the option to buy continued coverage through the same coverage for as long as 3 years (36 months). If you wish to go with this option, you will want to contact a representative from your ex’s health insurance provider and let them know about the divorce and plans to elect COBRA.

What Oklahoma post-divorce car insurance changes may I encounter?

If you were on your ex’s auto insurance policy, you are going to want to research and shop around for the best policy. Word to the wise: get multiple quotes from different companies. If your ex was on your policy, you will want to notify your insurer about the divorce so that you can remove him or her from the policy.

What Oklahoma post-divorce life insurance changes may I encounter?

Some divorce agreements may force you to buy a life insurance and have your ex named as the beneficiary. This often comes into play because if an ex-spouse dies then the living spouse can use that life insurance policy as a replacement for child support of alimony.

Many who need to go this route will elect to choose term life. Typically, one will select a term in increments of five years such as 5, 10, 15, 20 or more years and then the amount of coverage you will need. The coverage will end once the term you selected ends.

If your divorce agreement declares that you are not obligated to any continuing financial responsibilities, then you might want to consider taking your ex off of an existing life insurance policy.

What Oklahoma post-divorce home insurance changes may I encounter?

You will want to notify your home insurance company once it has been finalized between who is moving out. The policy should be in the name of the homeowner once the divorce is complete.

If you are the one who is moving out of the residence, you might find temporary residency at an apartment or condo. If this is the case, you will want to research and shop around for the best renter’s insurance. Standard Oklahoma renter’s insurance provides liability coverage and covers your belongings.

If you have moved out and are in the process of buying a house, you will want to contact multiple home insurance companies to get the best rate and coverage plan.

What Oklahoma post-divorce disability insurance changes may I encounter?

Disability insurance is an afterthought by many in comparison to life insurance, but studies show it should not be overlooked. Let’s put it this: The average person has a greater chance of going on disability insurance for 90 days or more than the average person does dying before retirement.

Couples should plan accordingly for disability insurance before the divorce is finalized. If you drawing and income from working, you are going to want to have disability insurance. If you are going to rely on child support or alimony as your primary source of income, then you will want put in the divorce agreement that your ex will need to have disability insurance coverage.

Why experience the Fry & Elder difference?

Whatever questions you have in regards to Oklahoma post-divorce insurance changes, the Tulsa law firm of Fry & Elder is happy to help. Fry & Elder has been synonymous with Tulsa family law for over 40 years.

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. is one of only 19 Oklahoma attorneys to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.  He was also selected as the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by Best Lawyers®. Fellow Fry & Elder partners M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and James R. Elder, along with Fry, have each garnered the coveted AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Fry & Elder’s  T. Luke Barteaux has been selected as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™, while Kirsten Bernhardt once won a judgment of over $10 million from Coca-Cola. Lorena Rivas has proven herself to be an authority figure on Oklahoma immigration law, while Katie Egan and Melissa Fell round out a talented staff of attorneys. Collectively, the group has helped Fry & Elder make U.S. News & World Report’s prestigious list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a proven and acclaimed Tulsa trial lawyer.    

Tulsa Child Custody and Divorce Attorneys Offer Father’s Day Tips

Tulsa child custody and divorce attorneys

Whether you are divorced or are in the process of getting a divorce, the holidays can often be rough for dads, and Father’s Day is no exception. With the holiday arriving this weekend, the Tulsa child custody and divorce attorneys at Fry & Elder empathize with the dads out there and would like to offer a few tips to help you get through the day no matter what your situation will be this Father’s Day – kids the whole day, part of the day or not at all.

Have a Positive Attitude

This may sound easy and cheesy all at once, but so much of making it through any trying situation is achieved by having a positive attitude. Try and reflect on what you do have, not what you don’t have. Chances are, there are a lot of other people out there who would like to switch positions with you. If you do have the opportunity to spend part of the day or the entire day with your children, they generally will emulate the attitude you present.

Shift Some of the Attention Off of You and onto Some of the Other Fathers Out There

What better way to spend Father’s Day than with your own dad? While this might not be possible for some dads out there, if your dad has passed on, you could begin the day by writing a letter to him or doing something that you both enjoyed doing together. If you have brothers, uncles or any good friends out there who are dads, take a minute to wish them a happy Father’s Day.

Do Something Nice for Yourself

Remember, this is your day so there’s no reason not to treat yourself right. This might mean splurging on that grill or set of golf clubs you’ve been eyeing for a while or it might mean taking part of the day to do something you enjoy – like playing golf or going fishing.

Have a Plan for the Day

This is particularly important if you will be spending any amount of time with your children this Father’s Day. Think of some things to do together that would be fun. This might mean taking a bike ride and having a picnic, playing catch or going swimming and then having a barbecue. No matter what you end up deciding on, your kids and you will enjoy the time together and make some memories together along the way. If you are unable to see your kids then try and schedule a time to Skype of FaceTime with them and make plans to keep yourself busy. This might mean hanging out with some friends or going on weekend / daylong getaway.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

We wish all the dads out there divorced, separated or not a happy Father’s Day. Should something, however, arise over the weekend that causes you to question your custodial position, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder immediately and set up a personal consultation. Our team of Tulsa child custody and divorce attorneys is among the most decorated in the state.

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. was selected as the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by Best Lawyers® and is also one of only 19 Oklahoma attorneys to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and James R. Elder, along with Fry, have each garnered the coveted AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, while T. Luke Barteaux has been selected as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™.

Fry & Elder’s Lorena Rivas is an accomplished Oklahoma immigration law attorney, while Kristen Bernhardt once won a judgement in excess of $10 million from Coca-Cola. Fellow firm attorney Katie Egan is licensed to practice in three different states and Melissa Fell rounds out a talented team of Tulsa child custody and divorce attorneys that have helped Fry & Elder make the U.S. News & World Report’s elite list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016.   

Tulsa Criminal and Divorce Lawyer Spotlighted

Tulsa criminal and divorce lawyer

Aaron Bundy

As it turns out, 2016 is proving to be quite the year for Aaron D. Bundy. The Tulsa criminal and divorce lawyer became the newest partner at Fry & Elder in March. Later that month, Bundy was profiled in the Tulsa Business & Legal News after making the publications The Tulsa 40 list.

Now, this month, the highly-regard Tulsa criminal and divorce lawyer has been featured in the June issue of TulsaPeople Magazine. The article, which you can READ HERE, focused on Bundy being just the fourth attorney to make partner at the prestigious Oklahoma family law firm of Fry & Elder. The article highlights some of Bundy’s other legal achievements, including holding the coveted AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.

While Fry & Elder has long been associated with its prowess in Oklahoma family law, Bundy has helped add another dimension to the firm, as much of his practice is focused on criminal defense law. Bundy and fellow Fry & Elder partner M. Shane Henry also have been active in presenting a variety of informative, engaging and entertaining Trial CLE Presentations for professional development and training purposes throughout the state. In addition to being an AV-rate attorney, Bundy has made the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™ list.

The TulsaPeople article is just one of many appearances Bundy and Fry & Elder have made in Oklahoma media publications this year. All total, the Tulsa law firm has been spotlighted 14 times in the past 14 months by various media outlets throughout the state.

Tulsa criminal and divorce lawyer

Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference?

The Tulsa law firm of Fry & Elder isn’t just one of the most decorated in the state but in the country, as evidence by the U.S. News & World Report naming Fry & Elder to its exclusive list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016.

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. was selected as the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by Best Lawyers®. He also is one of only 19 Oklahoma attorneys to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. 

In addition to Bundy and Henry, Luke Barteaux also has made the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™ list, while Kirsten Bernhardt has won a judgement in excess of $10 million against Coca-Cola. Fry & Elder’s Lorena Rivas has become an authority figure in Oklahoma immigration law, and Katie Egan is licensed to practice law in three different states – Oklahoma, New York and Connecticut. Whether you need legal counsel in family law, criminal law, immigration law or personal injury law, contact Fry & Elder today to set up consultation with an elite Tulsa attorney.

Smoking Could Impact Oklahoma Child Custody Rulings

Oklahoma child custody

Judges take many items into consideration when ruling on an Oklahoma child custody case. One thing they often consider and look at when deciding whether to award custody is whether or not a parent smokes. While we have now known for years that smoking has been bad and caused health concerns, if the added health risks caused by smoking were not incentive enough to get people to quit, the following might provide some added motivation to put cigarettes out for good. There has been a growing movement to take children away from parents who smoke.

George Washington University Law School professor John F. Banzhaf recently proposed the idea to the North American Regional Conference of the International Society for Family Law in Washington, D.C. Banzhaf backed up his proposal with statistics that over 6,000 children per year die because of second-hand smoke. While many states, including Oklahoma, factor parental smoking in child custody cases, Banzhaf pleaded that removing children from a smoking home would be the solution to the problem.

In a Newsmax article, Banzhaf stated that:

“We, as attorneys, probably have greater power than other professionals to right wrongs, and to change society for the better, because we can use the tremendous power of law for the public good rather than just to benefit paying clients. And you, as family attorneys, can and should be using the great power of law to right serious wrongs being done to children.“

What this Means to Parents Going Through an Oklahoma Child Custody Battle?

Smoking might not be the defining item that decides custody, but a judge will always put what’s in the child’s best interests when he or she makes a ruling. As more and more anti-smoking laws are put in place, smoking has become an effective tool for a parent to use in court to gain leverage against a parent who smokes. Ultimately, smoking is now something that is considered when deciding custody and visitation.

It has not been uncommon for Oklahoma courts and elsewhere to issue orders to a smoking parent. These might involve smoking outside or using only one room in the house to smoke and also prohibit them from smoking in the car with a child. If such orders are made, arrangements are usually made to make sure the parent is adhering with the order. If you the smoking habits of your ex concern you when he or she is around your child, you will want to contact an experienced Oklahoma child custody attorney.

Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference?

The Tulsa law firm of Fry & Elder has long been synonymous with Oklahoma child custody and all other areas of family law. Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. is one of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Fry also was selected by Best Lawyers® as its Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016. Fellow Fry & Elder partners M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and James R. Elder, along with Fry, have each garnered the coveted AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Luke Barteaux has been recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™. Lorena Rivas focuses much of her practice on Oklahoma immigration law, while Katie Egan is able to practice law in Connecticut and New York, as well as Oklahoma. Kristen Bernhardt has excelled in both bench and jury trials, once winning a settlement of over $10 million from Coca-Cola. Melissa Fell rounds out a staff of talented attorneys, which are some of the most decorated in the state.

Collectively, the team has helped Fry & Elder garner national accolades, as evidenced by the U.S. News & World Report placing the firm on its Best Law Firms list from 2014-2016. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a consultation with an elite Oklahoma trial lawyer.

Tulsa Business & Legal News Puts Barteaux in Spotlight

Tulsa divorce an child custody attorneys

The Tulsa divorce and child custody attorneys at Fry & Elder continue to do great things, and the press continues to notice. T. Luke Barteaux is just the most recent Fry & Elder attorney to be spotlighted by the Oklahoma media.

The Tulsa Business & Legal News – an arm of the Tulsa World – highlighted and reported on Barteaux’s recent graduation from the 2016 Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy. The story, which you can READ HERE , provided insight and background into the Leadership Academy and professional development the academy encompasses. Barteaux is part of the fifth class to graduate the academy and was one of only 18 graduates statewide to receive accolade.

“It kept me busy, but it was a great and very rewarding experience,” Barteaux said. “As an attorney, I’m always seeking to gather more information and get better. Participating in this academy definitely helped me grow as a lawyer.”

Oklahoma Bar Association President Garvin Isaacs, who oversees 17,600 members, has this to say about the academy:

“Those who participate in the Leadership Academy have worked to strengthen themselves both professionally and personally to become better leaders. These lawyers were chosen because they show a willingness to volunteer, serve and give of themselves. That dedication will serve the legal profession as well as their community long into the future.”

Fry & Elder Tulsa Divorce and Child Custody Attorneys no Strangers to the Media Spotlight

Barteaux is just the latest in a long line of Fry & Elder trial lawyers to be covered by the Oklahoma press corps this year. In fact, the Tulsa Business & Legal News’ story on the 2016 Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy and Barteaux marked the 12th time the firm or one of its attorneys has been featured in the past 14 months. Below is full list of all the articles.

Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference?

Tulsa divorce and child custody attorneys

Luke Barteaux

There are a lot of good Tulsa divorce and child custody attorneys out there, but the team of Fry & Elder lawyers collectively might be the most experienced and decorated in the state. Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. not only was selected by Best Lawyers® as its Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016, he is one of only 19 divorce and child custody attorneys in Oklahoma to be an illustrious Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

In addition to Fry’s prowess, M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and James R. Elder, along with Fry, have each garnered the coveted AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. Additionally, Barteaux, Henry and Bundy have been named Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™.

This quintet of Tulsa divorce and child custody attorneys has helped Fry & Elder set itself apart on a national scale. The U.S. News & World Report  has named Fry & Elder to its distinguished list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016.

While Fry & Elder has long been synonymous with Tulsa family law, the firm now has nine full-time practicing attorneys and has expanded its legal service areas to include criminal law, immigration law, adoptions and personal injury law.

Lorena Rivas focuses much of her practice on Oklahoma immigration law, while Kristen Bernhardt has excelled in both bench and jury trials, once winning a settlement of over $10 million from Coca-Cola. In addition to Oklahoma, Katie Egan is licensed to practice in Connecticut and New York. Melissa Fell rounds out the staff of talented attorneys. Contact Fry & Elder today to speak with an experienced and acclaimed Tulsa divorce and child custody attorney.

Tips To Get Through Summer Child Custody, Vacation Schedule

Summer child custody

Memorial Day is less than a week away to further signify that summer is about to be in full swing. For children, there is no better time of the year. For divorced parents, the summer months can often be a hectic time with planning your child’s and your schedule. With that said, the summer months are often the most rewarding time of the year for a parent because of the fact that it is quite often the time where you are able to create some of the best memories with your child. The Tulsa family law of Fry & Elder recognizes the importance of summer vacation and wishes to provide you with a few tips on how to best navigate through summer child custody, vacation time and scheduling with your ex to maximize the pleasure you get out of the summer.

Come Up With A Summer Child Custody, Vacation Schedule That You Can Agree On and Stick To

If your ex and you have shared custody, you will want to set up a time to meet and go over the summer vacation plans you both have in mind for your child. There is plenty of time for you to take your child on that cross-country road trip or Disney World vacation, but if you don’t clarify and discuss these plans with your ex, you might find yourself back in court. It is important to keep communication lines open that way neither parent is left in the dark.

One good solution to make sure all parties are on the same page is to consult with an experienced Tulsa child custody attorney and create a detailed and documented summer child custody and vacation schedule that your ex will sign off on and then will be formally submitted it to a judge. This might initially seem like a little extra legwork, but it really is not. Best of all, everyone will be well aware of what the summer will entail for the child.

Double Check That You Aren’t In Jeopardy Of Violating Your Custody Agreement

Depending on what your current child custody agreement is and what you have planned for the summer, there is a potential that you could be in danger of violating your custody agreement. For instance, if you have an out-of-state trip to California planned, but your visitation and custody agreements have geographical provisions, you might want to look into getting that agreement modified. Your ex should be open to stipulating to a modification for travel, particularly if you have already planned a vacation.

Allow The Child To Communicate With The Other Parent During Your Vacation Time

Chances are your child would like to tell his or her other parent just how much fun they’re having on vacation with you. And chances are your ex will want to hear from their child and the experiences they are having. A little common courtesy between parents involving their child is never a bad thing. Allowing your child to call, email or Skype with the other parent aligns with that notion.

Provide Your Ex With Adequate Notice

Things and opportunities do come up, but you should make every opportunity to provide your ex with sufficient notice about when and where you will be vacationing. This also falls under the common courtesy umbrella and will help avoid confusion between parties.

Why Experience The Fry & Elder Difference

Whether you have questions or concerns about a summer child custody arrangement or any other family law matter, the Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder is here to assist you. The U.S. News & World Report has named Fry & Elder to its exclusive list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016. The firm’s nine attorneys are some of the most accomplished in the state. In addition to family law, Fry & Elder offers legal services in criminal law, immigration law, adoptions and personal injury law.

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., is one of only 19 Oklahoma attorneys to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He also was selected as the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by Best Lawyers®. Firm attorneys James R. Elder, M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and Fry have all achieved the highly respected AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, Luke Barteaux has been selected as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™.

The firm’s newest attorney, Kirsten Bernhardt, hold the distinction of having won a judgement in excess of $10 million against Coca-Cola. Lorena Rivas has established herself as rising star in immigration law and Katie Egan is licensed to practice in Connecticut and New York in addition to Oklahoma. Melissa Fell rounds out the talented staff of attorneys.

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