As a trusted, acclaimed and renowned family law firm, the Oklahoma child custody attorneys at Fry & Elder understand how difficult a process going through a divorce can be for some people.
These difficulties can often become even more compounded when children are involved. We empathize with what you are going through and wish to answer some of the more frequently asked questions in regards to Oklahoma child custody issues.
What Defines Oklahoma Child Custody?
This refers to the rights parents have in raising a child. These rights incorporate everything from making decisions about a child’s education, activities and health. When a couple separates, a parent’s visitation rights are custody. In Oklahoma, both the mother and father have the same legal right to seek custody of minor children.
Are There Various Forms of Child Custody?
Yes. Oklahoma child custody and elsewhere consist of two common forms: joint custody and sole custody.
What are the Differences between the Two?
Joint custody means that parents share custody of their child in all or some areas such as legal and physical care. If joint custody is awarded than typically each parent will have equal say in the major decisions that will impact child’s best interests and well-being. When a conflict does arise, those parents are encouraged to try and work it out themselves, but if no solution can be reached, parents can seek a decision or recommendation from a judge, mediator or parenting coordinator on the disagreement.
Sole custody means that one of the parents has been granted sole control in making major decisions about the well-being of the child without consulting with the other parent. These could include, but are not limited to what physician or school their child should attend. Typically, when sole custody is awarded, the other parent is granted reasonable visitation rights. Because each situation is different, reasonable visitation rights could come in a variety of forms as determined by the court.
If Sole Custody is Awarded, Can It Ever Be Changed?
If it is in the best interest of the child, custody of the child can be modified under Oklahoma law.
What Are The Chances Of Me Receiving Custody of My Child?
Because every situation is different, there is no real way to give a straightforward answer. It most likely will hinge on the facts and nature of your case. Oklahoma child custody is solely based on the best interests of the child. It is imperative that you consult with an experienced Tulsa divorce and child custody lawyer if you expect a custody issue to arise.
Experience the Fry & Elder Difference
For over 50, the name Fry & Elder has been synonymous with family law in Oklahoma. Highly-acclaimed Tulsa divorce lawyer Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. was honored by Best Lawyers® as its Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016.
The firm’s team of attorneys have also garnered the following honors:
- A 2019 Best Lawyers® Selection
- One of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Best Lawyers® 2016 Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma
- Two attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Two attorneys AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
- The 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner
- A 2017 Significant Sig Award Winner
The firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List every year since 2014. If you have further questions regarding Oklahoma child custody procedure, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder today.