Oklahoma child custody laws include temporary custody, legal custody and physical custody. Contact the Oklahoma Legal Center to speak with an Oklahoma child custody lawyer today.
Oklahoma laws define temporary custody as the decision made by the parents as to the custody of the child at their time of separation. Although this could be in the best interest of the child at the time of separation, it may not ultimately be in the best interest of the child.
Legal custody is the next step in the Oklahoma child custody process. Legal custody determines which parent, possibly both, is able to make the legal decisions for the child regarding education, health care, religion, and his/her general welfare. Joint legal custody and sole legal custody are the two different types of legal custody in Oklahoma. Joint legal custody splits the decision making responsibilities between the parents. Sole legal custody allocates all of the decision making power to one parent.
Physical custody is where the child actually lives within Oklahoma. Physical custody is split into two categories, sole physical custody and joint physical custody. Sole physical custody is defined as the parent the child actually lives with. The other parent will have visitation rights that were predetermined through mediation or by the Oklahoma court system. Joint physical custody is extremely rare in Oklahoma. Joint physical custody allows the child to live with both parents for predetermined amounts of time. Joint physical custody is rare because the courts need to think in the best interest of the child. With that said, Oklahoma courts consider which parent is more likely to allow frequent visits by the non custodial parent. Oklahoma courts do not judge parents on their gender or school district (public or private) they live in. In these difficult times, it is important to know that this decision will be based on what is in the best interest of the child.
If the custodian of the child/children is not following the Oklahoma court order dictating visitation rights, an appeal may be brought to the court based on the best interest of the child. With this appeal, comes the responsibility of all associated fee’s which will be paid for by the non-prevailing party.
Oklahoma Child Custody Modification: If you would like to modify your child custody orders, Oklahoma Legal Center can help. Throughout the childs youth, the court can modify whom has custody of the child based on what is in the best interest of the child. We have years of experience helping our clients modify their Oklahoma child custody orders so pick up the phone and call us today or simply send us an email through our contact form on the right.
Contact the Oklahoma Legal Center; we have experienced child custody lawyers that can help you in this confusing time.