Fry & Elder Tulsa Law Firm

Divorce, Child Custody, Protective Orders, Criminal Defense

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Can parents become better parents post divorce?

It may feel like it in the beginning for some, particularly if there are children involved, but going through a divorce is not the end of the world. In fact, many can become better parents post divorce.

The Tulsa divorce lawyers at Fry & Elder want you to know that the adversity that comes with divorce can actually help lead you into becoming a better parent and role model for your children.

Better parents post divorce

By Sharing Custody, You Make It A Point For Every Second to Counts

Little things that may have been a distraction  to you in the past like your cell phone or making sure all your errands are done probably seem a little more trivial now. Instead, you are trying to pack in as much quality time with your child as possible because you just don’t have as much time before because of shared custody.

You Are Able To Teach Your Kids The Lifelong Lesson Of Resiliency

Let’s face it life isn’t always fair. It deals plenty of bumps and bruises along the way. How you bounce back from your divorce will go a long way in showing your child or children how to deal and fight through tough setbacks.

You Now Have The Ability To Start Up New Traditions

This might mean going on an annual trip during the summer or treating them to a special dinner on a more frequent basis. Heck it might mean, your children and you collaborate on dinners when they are with you, and you make them together in the kitchen. You now have the green light to test and try out things that you might not been able to before.

You Will Be Able to Keep a More Peaceful House

Those arguments that may have been nightly occurrences in the past, are just that – in the past. Not only will this provide more stability and balance for you it also will for your children. In turn, this will make all parties involved happier and more pleasant to be around.

Experience the Fry & Elder difference

Though there still will be some ups and downs that are associated with going through a divorce, the Tulsa divorce lawyers of Fry & Elder want you to understand and realize that there is reason to be optimistic when embarking on this new chapter of your life. In essence, many do in fact become better parents post divorce.

Should you have any additional family law questions, contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with one of our experienced and accomplished attorneys.

The name Fry & Elder has been synonymous with Oklahoma family law for over 40 years. The Oklahoma law firm was named to the prestigious Best Law Firms for 2015 list by U.S. News News & World Report. Additionally, attorneys Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., M. Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux and Aaron D. Bundy all have each garnered prestigious SuperLawyers® accolades.

Oklahoma personal injury lawyers provide insight to questions

Oklahoma Divorce Lawyers

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.

Filing a personal injury claim in Oklahoma can be a stressful thing. Obviously, your number one concern needs to be your health. But there are additional items that will make it onto your checklist, beginning with contacting your insurance company. There could be instances though when scheduling an appointment with an Oklahoma personal injury lawyer is necessary to ensure that you are adequately protected and will receive what you are entitled too. The Oklahoma law firm of Fry & Elder realizes this might be a stressful time for you, but our experienced and acclaimed Tulsa personal injury lawyers will do everything in their power to alleviate as much stress as possible and guarantee that you receive the most professional legal representation. With that in mind, here are the answers to a few of the more commonly asked questions to Oklahoma personal injury lawyers.

What should I expect this to cost me?

As proven and established Oklahoma personal injury lawyers, we are confident in our ability to try and settle personal injury case. That is why we offer a free personal consultation to any injured person. We will then evaluate and go over the details of your case before deciding on a contingent fee agreement.

How long will it take to try my case?

It is hard to say because every case is different, especially those dealing with personal injury claims. After consulting with you about your case, the Oklahoma personal injury lawyers of Fry & Elder will have a general idea of how long it will take. If your personal injury case is complex, a settlement might not be made for a year or longer.

What is the value of my case?

Not only is this question one of the most commonly asked in regards to Oklahoma personal injury cases, but it also is one of the toughest to answer. Until all the information has been gathered, and you have recovered from your injury, it is hard to determine the value of a case. The value of it will be based on a number of factors including, but not limited to: the cost of your medical bills, income lost due to the injury and if you suffered any permanent injuries.

The insurance company has offered a settlement and said I do not need an attorney. Should I accept the settlement?

While on the surface this might seem like a good deal, and the least amount of hassle for you, it cannot be stated enough that the goal of any insurance company is to minimize any settlement payment. Quite often, insurance adjusters are given financial incentives to settle claims as quickly and as cheap as possible. That is a big reason why most insurance companies will send an adjuster out to meet with you very soon after your accident. Usually, they will try and tempt you to accept an offer that would be immediately paid out. This just further reiterates their desire to get you to quickly settle, thus keeping you from every realizing the full potential and value of your claim.

Contact a proven and experienced Oklahoma personal injury attorney today

At the Oklahoma law firm of Fry & Elder, our clients are our top priority. We realize that each case and circumstance is different, which is why we design and tailor a legal strategy that best suits your needs. Our Oklahoma law firm is one of the most accomplished  in U.S. We were named to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms for 2015. Oklahoma personal injury lawyers Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., M. Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux and Aaron D. Bundy have each garnered prestigious SuperLawyers® accolades. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a free personal consultation.

Proven Oklahoma divorce and child custody lawyer provides insight

One of the most difficult decisions a person can ever make is quite often whether or not to get a divorce. As a proven and experienced Oklahoma divorce and child custody lawyer, Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. understands this and empathizes with anyone who is facing this difficult decision.

Oklahoma Divorce and Child Custody Lawyer

Though difficult for many to make the decision to end their marriage, it, ultimately, could be the best decision for both parties involved. The Tulsa divorce lawyers of Fry & Elder believe these are a few signs that indicate a divorce might be the best solution your partner and you.

You Realize That Being Alone Is Now The Better Option For You

This can be extremely difficult to come to grips with because of the past history you have had with your partner, which likely included numerous fun and memorable times. But as times passes, it’s natural for some of those memories to fade away. If the times between your partner and you have become less fun and memorable, and you now find yourself in an unhappy marriage, it very well could be time for you to get a divorce.

Your Kids Are The Only Things Keeping The Marriage Together

While divorce is a painful and sometimes a traumatizing thing for children to go through, they are more savvy and smart than you might think. If they sense that their parents are unhappy than that unhappiness will also manifest itself inside of them. Worse yet, children often end up emulating the relationships that they witnessed when they were younger. The last thing you will want to do is chain yourself to a bad marriage for your children to observe.

You Are Thinking About More About How Others Will React To The News

While this could not be further from the truth, there are some out there who perceive that getting a divorce constitutes as a failure and embarrassment – that their friends and family will look down upon them. The fact of the matter is, your friends and your family care about you immensely and want you to be happy. Sometimes, the best way to get back on the road of being happy is to sever the ties of a bad relationship.

Contact a Proven Oklahoma Divorce and Child Custody Lawyer Today

If you are finding yourself in a difficult and unhappy marriage, you are going to want to consult with a proven and experienced Oklahoma divorce and child custody lawyer.

The Oklahoma law firm of Fry & Elder has been synonymous with Oklahoma family law for over 40 years and was named to the U.S. News & World Report’s prestigious list of Best Law Firms for 2015.

Oklahoma family law attorneys attorneys Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., M. Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux and Aaron D. Bundy have each garnered prestigious SuperLawyers® accolades.

Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a proven and accomplished Oklahoma divorce and child custody lawyer.

Tips for financial planning after divorce

Oklahoma Family Law Firm

Tulsa Family Law Firm Fry & Elder

The name of Oklahoma law firm Fry & Elder has been synonymous with Tulsa divorce and child custody for over 40 years. While the Oklahoma law firm has extended its reach to take on criminal law and personal injury cases, Oklahoma family law still remains a focal point for our Tulsa divorce lawyers.

Whether you are getting a divorce in Tulsa or anywhere else in Oklahoma, part of the process that goes along with getting a divorce is starting over. To better help transition into this new chapter of your life, it helps to have a good financial plan for your life after the divorce. Below are a few tips that the Tulsa divorce lawyers of Fry & Elder recommend that people going through a divorce keep in mind.

Go over your finances

It is important when doing this to look at everything – income sources, your tax situation, assets and expenses because maintaining two separate households is more expensive than one. You need to make sure that you know what you were spending before the divorce to give you a better idea of what you are going to spend after a divorce.

A good starting point for this would be to review and go over all bank statements and credit cards statements from the past year. Set up various tables for everyone involved in the divorce – mom, dad and children. This way you will have a better idea of what to budget for after the divorce. It is important that if you have children that you budget for future education and medical expenses.

Factor in health insurance

If you were on your spouse’s health insurance plan, this could become a considerable expense moving forward. While COBRA is an option, it is one that is expensive and is limited to just 36 months. Your best bet is to begin looking and researching policies that are out there.

Prepare for alimony

There are many factors that will go into deciding whether alimony is part of a settlement. These could include the length of the marriage and whether the spouse did not work and for how long, as well as the spouse’s earning potential.

Alimony not only impacts one’s budget, it will impact your tax situation.  While there is nontaxable alimony that can be paid from after-tax dollars and is tax-free to the receiver, most generally it is taxable alimony that is paid, which means it is tax-deductible for the person paying the alimony and taxable to the person receiving alimony. Under Oklahoma law, there is no firm rule on the duration of how long alimony payments need to be made. The trial judge has broad discretion in determining the amount of alimony and the terms of payment.

Think about your career

If you were not working or working part time during the marriage, you are probably going to have to go back into the workforce on a full-time basis. While this may seem a little daunting initially, it will help you financially and also give you greater confidence, a social life and a stronger sense of resilience.

If you have been out of the workforce for a while, you might want to consider taking some educational or certification courses to make yourself more attractive and marketable to potential employers. This also will help enhance your confidence and make you a more viable candidate.

Experience the Fry & Elder difference

If you are in need of a Tulsa divorce lawyer 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.

Probable Cause vs. Reasonable Suspicion

Oklahoma Divorce Lawyers

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.

Reasonable suspicion and probable cause are legal terms you’ve probably heard or read about before.  Too many, these terms seem to be one in the same, but they differ, especially in Tulsa federal criminal defense cases. The Oklahoma law firm of Fry & Elder will provide you with the definitions and answers into how reasonable suspicion and probable cause differ from one another.

What is Reasonable Suspicion?

Simply put: This is the reasonable presumption that a crime will be, is being or has been committed. Unlike probable cause, reasonable suspicion is looked at more like a hunch or a guess. It is reasonable belief that is based on circumstances or facts and is made based on a police officer’s experience and training.

What is Probable Cause?

Simply put: This is a logical belief that a crime will, is being or has been committed that is based and supported by circumstances and facts.

What is the Difference Between the Two?

When probable cause takes place it means that there is detailed and solid evidence of a crime. Reasonable suspicion is based more on a broader interpretation – in that it appears that a crime has taken place. The latter phrase usually is used to justify an investigation that a crime may have taken place.

When does Law Enforcement Need Probable Cause

For the police to arrest an individual or obtain a search warrant, probable cause must exist. Reasonable suspicion is needed by the police to stop or question an individual. Police also have the ability to search for weapons if they believe that an individual present an imminent threat or is armed.

If you are arrested and are facing federal criminal charges in Tulsa, you will need a lawyer that is experienced in trying federal criminal defense cases so that you can make sure that law enforcement officials followed the necessary rules in attaining evidence and making an arrest. The trial lawyers of Fry & Elder have experience and success in trying Tulsa federal criminal defense cases. The firm was named to the U.S. News & World Report’s prestigious list of Best Law Firms 2015. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a free consultation.

Oklahoma law firm wishes you a safe and happy holiday

Oklahoma Divorce Lawyers

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 trial lawyers at Fry & Elder what you have a fun and safe Fourth of July. While Independence Day is arguably our country’s most celebrated holiday, it also is one of our most dangerous. In fact, in 2013 Forbes Magazine reported that the Fourth of July was the “most dangerous holiday of the year.” That is all the more telling when you consider this sobering statistic: 199 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes nationwide between July 3 and July 8, 2103 as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

Exercise good judgement

The Oklahoma law firm of Fry & Elder wants you to enjoy the holiday to its fullest, but exercise good judgement. If you plan on drinking during the holiday weekend always designate a sober driver and plan a safe ride home before the fun even begins. If you do become impaired and have no safe ride home, call a taxi, friend or use public transportation.

The cost of DUI

Simply put: You can’t afford it. DUI penalties in Oklahoma for first-time offenders can total up to $1,000 and 5 days to one year in jail, while second-time offenders could be fined up to $2,500 and receive 1 to 5 years of jail time. Third-time offenders could be hit with fines of up to $5,000 and receive anywhere from 1 to 10 years of jail time.

If arrested and charged with DUI

If you do get pulled over and are arrested on a DUI complaint, you are going to want to contact an experienced and professional Oklahoma criminal law attorney immediately. The trial lawyers at Fry & Elder are well versed in DUI laws and procedures throughout the state of Oklahoma. The firm was named to the esteemed U.S. New & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms 2015, and attorneys Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., M. Shane Henry, Luke Barteaux and Aaron D. Bundy have each garnered prestigious SuperLawyers® accolades. If you do find yourself in legal trouble over the Fourth of July weekend, don’t hesitate to contact Fry & Elder.

Tulsa Family Law Firm provides tips for Father’s Day Visitation

Tulsa Family Law Firm Fry & Elder

Tulsa Family Law Firm Fry & Elder

Father’s Day is just a few days away. While this is meant to be a day of celebration for all fathers, there are things that must be taken under consideration for parents who are separated or divorced. The Tulsa Family Law Firm of Fry & Elder is sensitive to the issues both parents face and wish to provide a few tips on how to approach what should be a pleasant and conflict free day for all parties involved.

Be Open and Honest

When talking with your co-parent about your Father’s Day plans, it is important that you are up front and specific about what you have planned for the day. Just as Mother’s Days is, Father’s Day is a parent-specific holiday, meaning that if the schedule permits, fathers should spend the majority of the day with their child. If Father’s Day already aligns with the dad’s visitation schedule, there likely will not be much to coordinate. Both parents should acknowledge the fact that Father’s Day is something that a child looks forward to because he or she can spend quality and special time with their dad.

Pay it Forward

One of the keys to having a successful co-parenting relationship is to give and take a little. When you reciprocate nice gestures and further enhance communication lines, all parties involved and the child most of all come out on top.  With Father’s Day almost here, this is a great way for a co-parent to show their appreciation to the father and his role in the family by adjusting to the dad’s parenting schedule on Father’s Day. If you are in a position where your co-parent will offer to trade parenting time, you should return the favor when the opportunity to do so comes.

Have Fun

It’s Father’s Day. This is a time to celebrate and relish in the role you have with your child. Have fun. Perhaps, take in a baseball game, go fishing or spend some time doing an outdoor-related activity. These are the types of days that your child will remember and further help strengthen the family dynamics of separated family.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about Father’s Day or any other family law matters, contact Fry & Elder today and talk to an experienced and professional attorney from a highly regarded Tulsa family law firm.

Fry & Elder expands its reach into Texas

Oklahoma Family Law Attorney M. Shane Henry

M. Shane Henry

Once known as primarily an Oklahoma family law firm, Fry & Elder continues to grow and expand. Partner M. Shane Henry recently received his license to practice law in the state of Texas, making him the first Fry & Elder attorney to expand his reach outside of the Sooner State.

“It’s a big deal,” Henry said. “We want to continue to grow, become a bigger name in the legal landscape and have access to more clients and cases. This is a step in the right direction.”

Henry, who has been with Fry & Elder since 2010 and a partner since 2013, was named to the distinguished 2015 Super Lawyers Rising Star List. He also is an AV Preeminent Rated Trial Lawyer by Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest recognition in the legal industry.

Henry is flanked by fellow Fry & Elder partners Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr., and James R. Elder, and associates Luke Barteaux and Aaron D. Bundy. They have helped Fry & Elder establish itself as not just one of the premier law firms in Oklahoma, but in the United States. U.S. News & World Report named the firm to its list of Best Law Firms of 2015, and Fry, Barteaux and Bundy also garnered accolades from Super Lawyers®.

While the firm historically has channeled its efforts and resources primarily in the realm of Oklahoma family law, Fry & Elder now offers criminal law and personal injury defense services. If you are in need of a criminal law or personal injury attorney, contact Fry & Elder today for a free consultation.

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.

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