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Vaunted Tulsa Family Law Firm Moves Into New Office

Tulsa Family Law Firm

Oklahoma Family Lawyers, sitting from left to right, James R. Elder, Aaron D. Bundy, M. Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux and Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr.

The Robert G Fry Jr. Center for Trial Studies is now open for business.

After spending over 30 years nestled in the same quaint downtown location, the vaunted Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder decided it finally had outgrown that facility earlier this year, and today moved into a renovated, sprawling, state-of-the-art facility in downtown Tulsa to signify the beginning of a new era at Fry & Elder.

The firm’s new office is located at 1630 S. Main Street, and the 5,200-square foot facility will provide ample space – 13 offices and two conference rooms – for a staff that has now grown to seven attorneys and a support staff of six that includes paralegals, project managers and legal assistants.

“This is a big day for the firm,” Fry said. “We literally were working on top of each other. This new office is a testament to how much we’ve grown as a staff, and as a firm. We’re excited, and we’re only going to continue to grow.”

Considering Fry’s longevity, commitment and prowess in Oklahoma family law, it is only fitting that the new office be named after him. He has been an iconic and highly-sought after attorney for over 40 years and is showing no signs of slowing down. Fry further validated himself as arguably the best Tulsa divorce lawyer recently when he was recognized by the esteemed publication Best Lawyers® as its Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

The Tulsa family law firm has not only one of the most decorated legal teams in the state, but in the country. Fry & Elder trial lawyers James R. Elder, M. Shane Henry, and Aaron D. Bundy, along with Fry are AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, while T. Luke Barteaux, Henry and Bundy each have been selected as Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™. Fry has been honored as an Oklahoma Super Lawyer® every year since 2007.

Collectively, these five have helped Fry & Elder be named to the U.S. News & World Report’s exclusive list of Best Law Firms for 2015. The firm recently hired attorney Katie Egan and Lorena Rivas to help round out the staff. In addition to Oklahoma, Egan is licensed to practice law in Connecticut and New York, while Rivas is bilingual and will focus on Oklahoma immigration law and family law.

While the firm continues to be known for its excellence in family law, Fry & Elder has grown and expanded its legal reach into Oklahoma criminal law, personal injury law and immigration law services. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a proven, experienced and acclaimed Oklahoma trial lawyer.

What to look for in a Skilled Tulsa Divorce Lawyer

There is no shortage of divorce lawyers in Tulsa or anywhere else out there for that matter. That said, not all attorneys are created equally. If you are going through a high-conflict divorce, it is all but imperative that you seek out a well-skilled, experienced and accomplished Tulsa divorce lawyer.

Top Tulsa divorce lawyer

There are numerous things and traits to look for when seeking out a prominent divorce attorney, but the Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder recommends that you especially focus on these factors when evaluating who is and who isn’t a proven Tulsa divorce lawyer.

What Experiences do they have?

Obviously, this is an important attribute for any good attorney to possess, but you should not just measure experience in years. You also should be strongly considering the quality of their experience. There are many different dynamics that come into play with family law in Oklahoma aside from divorce. You will be better off if you go with a lawyer that has proven to be an effective litigator in each of the following:

What Accolades and Awards have they garnered?

It could be argued that the legal industry is one, if not the most competitive out there. Litigation in it of itself is based on winning and losing, and there are numerous publications and associations within the legal realm that evaluate and rate attorneys based on criteria that includes peer and client reviews.

One such rating that any Tulsa divorce lawyer seeks to receive is the AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®. Martindale-Hubbell describes this as, “a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence.”

If a firm has one such lawyer, they are considered good. If a firm has three attorneys that are AV-rated, they are a firm that clearly stands out in the industry. The highly-reputable publication of U.S. News & World Report also compiles a yearly list of Best Law Firms that is an esteemed honor to make.

Individually speaking, there arguably is no greater honor than to be recognized by Super Lawyers®, which holds considerable weight in the legal industry. Best Lawyers also recognizes both firms and lawyers, and is thought of by many to be the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. If a Tulsa divorce lawyer or Tulsa family law firm has received any or several of these accolades than you have put yourself in a much better position to come out of a high-stakes divorce in good standing.

Top Tulsa divorce lawyer

How well known is the Tulsa Divorce Lawyer?

When looking for a good Tulsa divorce lawyer, you want someone that not only is respected and well-known by his or her peers; you also want an attorney that has become well known in the community. This could come in the form of newspaper or magazine articles. If they are being featured in multiple publications, chances are they are viewed as not only credible, but also as an authority figure in Oklahoma family law.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

If you are about to go through a highly-contested divorce, you are going to need to go with an experienced, accomplished and well-known Tulsa divorce lawyer.

For 50 years and counting, the elite Tulsa law firm of Fry & Elder has been synonymous with Oklahoma family law excellence. The firm has been named to the exclusive Best Law Firms list every year since 2014.

The firm features a decorated and accomplished team of attorneys who include:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an established and acclaimed Tulsa divorce lawyer.

Why Hiring a Proven Tulsa Divorce Attorney is a Big Priority

There obviously is nothing wrong with wanting to save money, but if you find yourself about to go through a divorce, the last thing you are going to want to do is represent yourself during the legal process. You are going to want to hire an experienced and skilled Tulsa divorce attorney.

Tulsa guardianship attorney

While we most certainly would prefer you to retain a Tulsa divorce lawyer from the family law firm of Fry & Elder, the most important thing for you to do without question if you are going through a divorce would be to just take that all-important step of hiring a Tulsa divorce attorney.

Perhaps you are asking yourself why this is such a necessary step. Well, here are a few reasons why hiring a Tulsa divorce attorney is the smart move to make.

A Tulsa Divorce Attorney Can Offer Advice and Options that you might have not even known were out there

An experienced divorce lawyer will better be able to assess your situation and likely know what your chances would be should you take your case to court. This mostly stems from the fact that they will be able to compare your potential case with others they have tried and how judges have previously ruled in cases similar to your situation.

An experienced family law attorney also will be able to navigate an appropriate settlement for you. If your ex-spouse is making a proposal, your lawyer will be able to clearly tell you whether or not you should settle.

A Tulsa Divorce Attorney will be an Objective Ally during what is Likely to be a Stressful and Emotional Time for You

The fact of the matter is, going through a divorce is often one of the most emotional experiences a person can go through. You are going to likely encounter and experience a lot of emotions that range from anger to sadness.

When one is in an emotional state, it is often hard for that person to look at things clearly and objectively. This is where a proven and accomplished Tulsa divorce lawyer comes in to play.

He or she will have your best interests in mind and be able to better keep your emotions in check while serving as a confidant and still remaining an objective third party.

A Tulsa Divorce Attorney Can Take Care of all the ins-and-outs associated with family court and matrimonial law

Unless you have graduated from law school, you likely will not be familiar with the ins-and-outs of the legal system both in and out of the courtroom. While you may think a judge would be understandable to you if you represented yourself, you will still be held to the same standards as a practicing and licensed attorney.

Judges are fair and balanced, but if you are unaware of how to proceed or do not have the proper documents with you, chances are good that you will end up testing the judge’s patience, which could end up making him or her less sympathetic to your cause. An experienced and competent Tulsa divorce attorney will have a clear understanding of the law and the ins-and-outs of all the legal formalities.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

As one of the most established and decorated Tulsa family law firms, the attorneys at Fry & Elder are committed to giving you the best legal representation possible. The Tulsa law firm made the U.S. News & World Report’s exclusive list of Best Law Firms every since 2014.

Our acclaimed lineup of attorneys include the following:

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an elite Tulsa divorce attorney.   

Rivas adds new element to Tulsa Family Law Firm

Tulsa Divorce Lawyer

The Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder continues to grow, and newly-hired attorney Lorena Rivas figures to have a big hand in the firm’s expansion. As the firm’s newest attorney, Lorena brings a unique and dynamic skill set to Fry & Elder. In addition to practicing Oklahoma family law, Lorena’s practice will focus on immigration law in Oklahoma.

“I got into family law because of my background in immigration law,” Rivas said. “If you’re practicing immigration law, you’re going to be dealing a lot with family law.”

As the proud daughter of two Mexican nationals, Lorena has a personal connection with immigration law, which she fully embraces.

“I’m a Mexican-American,” 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.”

Lorena began making an immediate impact during law school at the University of Tulsa. She successfully prevented a Haitian national from being returned to Haiti, in terrible conditions due to an earthquake and hurricane, and she helped a mother and her two children remain in the United States after being victims of domestic and sexual abuse in Mexico.

A member of both the American Immigration Lawyers Association and Hispanic National Bar Association, Lorena had been in private practice the past three years before joining Fry & Elder. She said the Tulsa family law firm was appealing to her for multiple reasons.

“The thing that really captured my attention was how skilled they were in litigation,” Rivas said. “I’m glad to be part of a team that’s doing good stuff. Hopefully, I will be able to help the firm reach out to a diverse population that maybe hasn’t had a lot of exposure to a real strong litigation firm.”

With Lorena now on board, Fry & Elder now has seven highly skilled and diverse attorneys.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

The legacy of excellence at Fry & Elder has roots that date all the way back to 1932 when C. Lawrence Elder helped set the wheels in motion for Fry & Elder to become an established and recognized Tulsa family law firm. Over the years, Fry & Elder has garnered numerous accolades and honors.

The firm was named to the U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms for 2015. Additionally, Robert  G “Hap” Fry Jr. further validated himself as  one of the premier Tulsa Divorce Lawyers when he was honored as Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa 2016 by Best Lawyers®.  Fellow Fry & Elder attorneys M. Shane Henry, T. Luke Barteaux and Aaron D. Bundy have each received SuperLawyers® Rising Stars™ accolades. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a skilled and experienced attorney from an elite Tulsa family law firm.

 

Egan Becomes First Female Attorney at Tulsa Family Law Firm

Before 2010, the Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder had just two attorneys on staff, but in five short years the firm has tripled in size to where it now has six lawyers on staff. Kathleen M. Egan is the newest addition to the legal team. She recently began working at Fry & Elder as an associate attorney, and, in doing so, has become the first female attorney to ever work for the highly-reputable Tulsa law firm.

“I think the firm knew it was time to bring in a woman,” Egan said. “They are growing and are taking on more clients and cases. I think that it sometimes helps to have that (female) perspective because you know what they (female clients) are going through and can sometimes lend an ear a little easier.”

Tulsa Divorce Lawyer

While the firm now takes on personal injury and criminal law cases, Fry & Elder is still considered to be an elite Tulsa family law firm, and Egan should only enhance the firm’s reputation in the legal realm of family law. She brings in over eight years of family law experience through her work on many high-asset family law cases and also has experience handling high stakes personal-injury cases.

Not only is Egan the first female attorney at Fry & Elder, she is the first lawyer at the Tulsa family law firm who is licensed to practice law in three states. In addition to being able to practice law in Oklahoma, Egan also can practice law in New York and Connecticut.

After graduating with her Juris Doctorate from the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in Central Islip , N.Y., Egan work for multiple New York based law firms – one of which was also a high-profile family law firm.

Originally from Tulsa, she moved back to the area in 2014 and spent one year working for a local firm before joining Fry & Elder.

“I’m really impressed with the intensity and the desire to get better that I see out of the attorneys here,” Egan said. “I like working with the best and learning from them. I wanted to get back into family law, and I wanted to work with the people at the top of their game.”

EXPERIENCE THE FRY & ELDER DIFFERENCE

As one of the most established and decorated Tulsa family law firms, the attorneys at Fry & Elder are committed to giving you the best legal representation possible. The Tulsa law firm made the U.S. News & World Report’s exclusive list of Best Law Firms for 2015.

Renowned Tulsa divorce lawyer Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. was recently honored by the esteemed publication Best Lawyers® as its Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016. Fellow Fry & Elder trial lawyers M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and Luke Barteaux also have been selected as SuperLawyers® Rising Stars™. If you  have any legal concerns or questions, contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an elite attorney.   

Why a Tulsa Divorce Lawyer will use a computer forensics expert

Tulsa Family Law Firm Fry & Elder

To use a computer forensics expert in Oklahoma or not? That is a question you may be struggling with, particularly if you are in the midst of a criminal proceeding or divorce or child custody battle in Oklahoma and in need of a proven Tulsa Divorce Lawyer.  As Hilary Clinton’s personal email use should be a lesson to you, there is little doubt that someone’s digital communications record can loom large in an investigation or any pending legal matters.

Why hire a computer forensics expert?

Whether you are leaning toward hiring a computer forensics expert or not, the Tulsa Divorce Lawyers of Fry & Elder are here to tell you that most people do not realize that deleting or destroying their digital information track record is very hard to do. Nevertheless, important and valuable information is continually dispatched via email, texting or on various social media site. A good Tulsa Divorce Lawyer will know this information could be pivotal in determining the outcome of a trial in Oklahoma or anywhere else.

What electronic discovery might lead to?

As the world becomes more digitalized, electronic discovery can provide vital information that could unveil assets or financial purchases that may have initially thought to be hidden.  Furthermore, electronic discovery could end up uncovering lifestyle discrepancies that were once thought to be hush-hush.  If an ongoing child custody battle is the priority of a client, electronic discovery could very well end up being the deciding factor of winning or losing custody.

Why hire an experienced law firm?

Criminal and Family law in Oklahoma is high stakes, and electronic discovery is becoming critical player in the legal process. Here at Fry & Elder, we won’t hesitate to use computer forensics or employ any other legal strategy to assist in your case. The Tulsa Law Firm made the U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms for 2015, and has consistently been regarded as not just one of the best family law firms in Oklahoma, but in the United States. Fry & Elder founder and acclaimed Tulsa Divorce Lawyer Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. has been named a “Super Lawyer” in Oklahoma and is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Fellow firm attorneys James Elder, M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and Fry all have garnered the prestigious AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindal-Hubbell®, which is the highest recognition in the legal industry. Additionally, the firm’s Luke Barteaux was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2015. Contact Fry & Elder today should you have any questions regarding divorce and child custody in Oklahoma.

Tulsa Divorce Lawyer Gives Advice on Parental Kidnapping

Although it might be a surprise to many, the most common form of child abduction in the United States is parental kidnapping.  Sadly, parental kidnapping in Oklahoma occurs. The following is insight from a proven Tulsa Divorce Lawyer on parental kidnapping

Pictures of members of law firm

Oklahoma Family Lawyers, sitting from left to right, James R. Elder, Aaron D. Bundy, M. Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux and Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr.

What is parental kidnapping?

Parental kidnapping transpires when one parent or guardian deprives the other of his or her legal right to visitation or custody by taking that child out of his or her jurisdiction. This act is illegal through the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act, which works in accord with Oklahoma and other state laws.

While many abducted children are taken to another state, if a child is taken out of the country, the situation becomes much more complicated due to linguistic, legal and jurisdictional difficulties. One important resource to consult and take advantage of is  the U.S. Department of State which provides an extensive amount of detailed information on international child abductions. One of the components that come out of a divorce is that a custody order is entered. In regards to this custody order, these are a few things you need to remember in regards to it:

1. Be sure to retain multiple certified copies of the custody order from the court

2. To deter the other parent from taking the child abroad, you can request the court to require the parent to post bond, especially if that parent has significant ties to a foreign country

3. Your custody orders can also include a statement that does not allow for the child to travel abroad with your permission or the court’s permission

Should you have any additional concerns or questions in regards to parental kidnapping in Oklahoma or international child abduction, you should immediately contact the Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder to set up a personal consultation with an experienced Tulsa Divorce Lawyer.

 

Tulsa Divorce Lawyer speaks out on attorney-client privilege in Oklahoma

There is no denying the fact that going through a divorce can often be an emotional experience for all parties involved. One of the more difficult barriers to overcome during the initial process is just being comfortable enough to discuss sensitive and emotional issues with an attorney. For many, it is hard to feel at ease, let alone completely honest, when discussing matters like finances, children and possible infidelity.

Pictures of members of law firm

Oklahoma Family Lawyers, sitting from left to right, James R. Elder, Aaron D. Bundy, M. Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux and Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr.

For your protection and peace of mind, the attorney-client privilege requires that your Tulsa Divorce Lawyer keep all of your sensitive information private. Still, you might be asking yourself just how does confidentiality in divorce proceedings work? To give you better working knowledge of attorney-client privilege in Oklahoma, the Tulsa Family Law Firm of Fry & Elder has answers to some of the more common questions about the process.

What is attorney-client privilege?

If you are giving any serious thought into hiring a Tulsa Divorce Lawyer, attorney-client privilege has a very practical and functional importance, as it mean any matters you discuss with your lawyer will be confidential. This privilege means that an attorney cannot be compelled, nor can he or she voluntarily disclose any matters that are communicated in confidence.

When does confidentiality apply?

The fact of the matter is, before attorney-client privilege can begin, an attorney-client relationship must exist. This occurs when the parties have agreed upon the representation of the client. The signing of an agreement of a fee contract, retainer agreement, engagement letter, an agreements to  employ counsel or even simply entering an oral agreement to initiate representation are all examples and evidence that such an attorney-client relationship exists.

How and when is confidentiality waived?

Communications between a lawyer and client are only confidential if they are made in setting where it would be reasonable and expected for them to remain confidential. Some common examples of when confidentiality can be waves is when you invite third parties into what would have been a confidential conversation, divulge statements made in confidence with others after the fact or when you speak in a public place.

Should you have any additional questions about attorney-client privilege or about anything else pertaining to family law, we urge you to contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a skilled and experienced Tulsa Divorce Lawyer.

EXPERIENCE THE FRY & ELDER DIFFERENCE

As one of the most established and decorated Tulsa family law firms, the attorneys at Fry & Elder are committed to giving you the best legal representation possible. The Tulsa law firm made the U.S. News & World Report’s exclusive list of Best Law Firms for 2015.

Renowned Tulsa divorce lawyer Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. was recently honored by the esteemed publication Best Lawyers® as its Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016. Fellow Fry & Elder trial lawyers M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and Luke Barteaux also have been selected as SuperLawyers® Rising Stars™. If you  have any legal concerns or questions, contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an elite attorney.

Tulsa Divorce Lawyers Believe Alimony in Oklahoma Less Common

As reported in an article featured in Forbes, alimony is on the decline – for stay at home moms and other who are going through divorce. Alimony in Oklahoma and across the nation was something that was considered common in the past, but the Tulsa Divorce Lawyers of Fry & Elder believe that may no longer be the case.

Tulsa Family Law Firm Fry & Elder

Also known as spousal support, alimony was something that was frequently awarded in many different kinds of cases. Typically, one party would be awarded alimony permanently or for a number of years if he or she stayed at home to raise children or if he or she was at financial disadvantage.  Alimony was considered something that could help one party get back on his or her feet.

Research and experts point to alimony being less and less of an occurrence in many divorce cases, even for those who might seem like slam dunks for spousal support. Judges are growing less and less sympathetic in these cases.

Why is change taking place?

For starters, more and more women are in the workforce. Forbes reported that 75 percent of women are working today. In fact, women serve as the financial breadwinner in approximately 40 percent of marriages and also make up the higher percentage of college graduates. By today’s standards, women are regarded as having the responsibility of providing for themselves even if they have been out of work for multiple years and have to take a cut in their standard of living.

While research suggests that long-term spousal support is on the decline, there definitely are still some exceptions. One such example would be if one parent was forced to quit their job to care for a disabled child. Another case would be if a marriage lasted a long time and one spouse was at a clear disadvantage financially upon the relationship ending.

Should you have any further questions or inquiries in regards to alimony in Oklahoma or family law in general, we urge you to contact the Tulsa Family Law Firm of Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an experienced Tulsa divorce attorney.

Experience the Fry & Elder difference

For over 40 years, Fry & Elder has been one of the most dynamic and forward thinking Tulsa Family Law firms. U.S News & World Report named the firm to its exclusive list of Best Law Firms for 2015. Acclaimed Tulsa divorce lawyer Robert G “Hap” Fry was honored as Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa 2016 by Best Lawyers®. Fellow Tulsa divorce lawyers M. Shane Henery, Aaron D. Bundy and T. Luke Barteaux have each garnered SuperLawyers® Rising Stars™ accolades. If you are in need of assistance with or have any questions about Tulsa family law, contact the Tulsa divorce lawyers of Fry & Elder today.

Tulsa Family Law Firm Talks Untrue Child Support Myths

Tulsa Family Law Firm

Tulsa Family Law Firm Fry & Elder

There is no shortage of misconceptions and myths out there in regards to child support. The Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder realizes this, which is we are taking the time out to debunk a couple of these myths and provide you with a better understanding about how child support in Oklahoma really works.

Myth #3: Child support is in place to punish fathers

The fact of the matter is child support is required and needed to ensure that your child has his or her needs provided for. It was not instituted to punish anyone, and it is not a tactic to hurt one individual parent. Instead, it is a program that is in place to support children and make sure their financial needs are being looked after.

Myth #4: There is no need to file anything court if we already have an informal agreement in place

Yes, there are some parents who work out the amount of child support to be paid between each other without filing anything in court. While on the surface this works, it is not necessarily the best way to go about things. For starters, informal agreements such as these are not enforceable, meaning if the other party does not pay, you have no legal way to force them to pay. Another reason why an informal agreement is not the best idea is because if your child does end up needing a bigger child support award, there is no way to enforce it.

Chances are going through a divorce is probably something that is a little new to you. That makes it all more important for you to consult with a skilled Tulsa Divorce lawyer from Fry & Elder.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

The legacy of excellence at Fry & Elder has roots that date all the way back to 1932 when C. Lawrence Elder helped set the wheels in motion for Fry & Elder to become an established and recognized Tulsa family law firm. Over the years, Fry & Elder has garnered numerous accolades and honors.

The firm was named to the U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms for 2015. Additionally, Robert  G “Hap” Fry Jr. further validated himself as  one of the premier Tulsa Divorce Lawyers when he was honored as Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa 2016 by Best Lawyers®.  Fellow Fry & Elder attorneys M. Shane Henry, T. Luke Barteaux andAaron D. Bundy have each received SuperLawyers® Rising Stars™ accolades. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a skilled and experienced attorney from an elite Tulsa family law firm.

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