Fry & Elder Tulsa Law Firm

Divorce, Child Custody, Protective Orders, Criminal Defense

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Oklahoma Divorce and Child Custody attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers

Oklahoma divorce and child custody attorneys

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 Oklahoma family law firm of Fry & Elder has garnered another high-profile accolade. Oklahoma divorce and child custody attorneys Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., M. Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux and Aaron D. Bundy have each been honored by Super Lawyers®.

Fry has been selected as an Oklahoma Super Lawyer every year since 2007, while Henry, Barteaux and Bundy were named to Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.

For Bundy, it marks the third consecutive year he has made the Rising Star list. General litigation was the practice area he was selected in.

Barteaux has made the list two consecutive years now in the Family Law practice area, while this year marks Henry’s first on the Rising Stars list for Family Law.

Distinguished honors are nothing new to Fry & Elder. The Tulsa law firm also was named to the esteemed U.S. New & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms for 2015. The Fry & Elder legacy of excellence dates all the way back to 1932, when C. Lawrence Elder began practicing law.

While the firm is best known for its work in Family Law, specifically divorce and child custody in Oklahoma, Fry & Elder is now accepting cases outside the realm of family law, including criminal law and personal injury. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a team of proven Oklahoma divorce and child custody attorneys.

Oklahoma Family Law Firm Featured in Highly-Regarded Publication

The Oklahoma family law firm of Fry & Elder was spotlighted in this month’s edition of TulsaPeople Magazine. The article was part of the publication’s annual Best Lawyers section, which included acclaimed divorce and child custody lawyer Robert G “Hap” Fry. Click here to read the entire article.

Oklahoma family law firm

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr.

With over 40 years of trial experience, Fry has garnered numerous accolades.  Oklahoma Super Lawyers Magazine has had him on their list of outstanding lawyers every year since 2007.

He also holds an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubble, which is the highest possible recognition in the legal industry for professionalism and ethics.

Most recently, Fry and his firm made the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms for 2015, which further exemplifies their excellence as an elite Oklahoma family law firm.

To be eligible for inclusion, the firm must have one attorney who is included in Best Lawyers®. Fry more than fits the bill, as he has been selected every year since 2011.

Best Law Firms Coordinator Valerie Smith said the selection process is stringent and thorough.

“Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process,” Smith said.

While Fry & Elder is best known for its legal work in divorce, child custody, alimony, child support and all other family law areas throughout Oklahoma, the firm now handles cases outside the realm of family law, including criminal law and personal injury cases in Oklahoma.

The Tulsa law firm features attorneys James R. Elder, M. Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux, Aaron D. Bundy and Fry.

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an experienced trial attorney from a reputable Oklahoma family law firm.

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.

Oklahoma Family Law Attorneys Henry and Bundy featured by TCBA

Oklahoma Family Law Attorneys M. Shane Henry and Aaron D. Bundy present for Tulsa County Bar Association.

Oklahoma Family Law Attorneys M. Shane Henry and Aaron D. Bundy present for Tulsa County Bar Association.

Oklahoma family law attorneys M. Shane Henry and Aaron D. Bundy of Fry & Elder were spotlighted by the Tulsa County Bar Association in this month’s litigation news section. Henry and Bundy’s presentation of “Starting Your Trial off Right: Opening Statements and Trial Tactics” drew rave reviews during a February CLE presentation held by the Washington County Bar Association.

In its report, the Tulsa County Bar Association wrote that: “The multi-media presentation focused on both strategies and practical methods to prepare for trials and motion hearings. The ‘nuts & bolts’ suggestions they gave provided a host of great ideas for how to get started and develop persuasive and effective presentations … Audience participation was high and several in the trenches learning experiences were discussed.”

The Oklahoma Family Law Firm’s duo of Henry and Bundy has given numerous presentations on divorce and child custody in Oklahoma, and on other Family Law issues. The two were presenters at the 9th Annual Family Law Seminar at the Tulsa County Bar Association this past December.

Henry is the newest partner at the Tulsa-based law firm, which serves clients in all counties of the state of Oklahoma. Bundy has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star each year since 2013.

Fry & Elder 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 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, Henry, 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 Barteaux honored as Rising Star

Tulsa divorce lawyer Luke Barteaux continues his professional rise. The youngest and newest attorney of the Tulsa family law firm Fry & Elder has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2015. This honor only further validates how quickly Barteaux has ascended in the Oklahoma family law ranks.

Tulsa Divorce Lawyer Luke Barteaux

Tulsa Divorce Lawyer Luke Barteaux

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers in more than 70 practice areas, who have garnered high levels of peer recognition and professional achievements.  Fewer than 2.5 percent of all attorneys in the state of Oklahoma make the Rising Stars list. To qualify, the lawyer must be 40 or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. Super Lawyer’s Magazine has a readership of 13 million and is published in all 50 states and Washington D.C.

Barteaux, who joined Fry & Elder in 2011, is a member of the American Bar Association, the Tulsa County Bar Association, and is a member of both bar’s Family Law Sections. Additionally, he serves on the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Rules of Professional Conduct Committee and the Executive Board of the Oklahoma Bar Association Family Law Section having served on the Continuing Legal Education Committee, as 2015 CLE Co-Chair, the Practice Manual Committee as Marketing Chair in 2014 and the Editing Committee, the Family Law Section Social Committee. He also attended and graduated from the OBA FLS Trial Advocacy Institute in 2014.

If you are in need of a divorce lawyer in Tulsa or have any other questions in regards to family law in Oklahoma, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder today. The firm is home to some of the most highly regarded and experienced family law attorneys not only in the state of Oklahoma, but in the United States. Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. has been named a “Super Lawyer” in Oklahoma and is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Firm attorneys James Elder, M. Shane Henry, Aaron 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 family law firm of Fry & Elder made the U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms for 2015.

Tulsa family law attorney M. Shane Henry spotlighted in national publication

The highly publicized divorce case involving Oklahoma billionaire Harold Hamm also garnered some publicity for the Oklahoma family law firm of Fry & Elder. Partner M. Shane Henry was featured in the highly-reputable publication Bloomberg Business.

M. Shane Henry

M. Shane Henry

Hamm was ordered to pay a sum of $972 million to his second wife Sue Ann Hamm following a highly-contested to divorce. While $972 million is an extravagant number, Sue Ann Hamm received less than four percent of the marital assets when she arguably could have yielded between 25 and 30 percent. Harold Hamm is the CEO of Oklahoma oil exploration company Continental Resources. This year, Forbes Magazine ranked him as the 48th richest person in the United States and 132nd richest person in the world.

In the article, Henry was quoted as saying:  “Because of how much money we have at stake, I bet we’re looking at an appeal,” said M. Shane Henry, a partner with the family law firm Fry & Elder in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who wasn’t involved with the case. “It could have possibly been divided more favorably toward her, and when you’re talking about several hundred million dollars, even close to a billion dollars, I would say the expense to attempt an appeal would be justified.”

Click here to read the complete article from Bloomberg Business.

Contact Fry & Elder today should you have any questions concerning family law in Oklahoma. The firm is home to some of the most highly regarded and experienced family law attorneys not only in the state of Oklahoma, but in the United States.

Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. has been named a “Super Lawyer” in Oklahoma and is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Firm attorneys James Elder, M. Shane Henry, Aaron 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 family law firm of Fry & Elder made the U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms for 2015.

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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