Child Custody Attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Determining the best living arrangement for your child requires careful consideration and, sometimes, legal intervention. It's crucial to ensure the future well-being and stability of your child in the aftermath of a separation or divorce, and an experienced lawyer can make all the difference.
Our child custody attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is dedicated to helping parents secure parenting schedules and arrangements that reflect the best interests of their children. We handle all aspects of child custody disputes, so when you partner with us, you can rest assured that we have what it takes to protect your rights and keep you fully informed at every stage of the legal process.
Contact The Alexander Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with our skilled and dedicated family lawyer. With decades of legal experience, we have the knowledge and resources to pursue the best possible outcome for your child custody case.
Oklahoma Child Custody Laws & Parenting Schedules
Oklahoma's child custody laws are designed to prioritize the well-being and best interests of the child. The court seeks to establish a custody arrangement that supports the child's physical, emotional, and psychological development.
Types of Custody
Oklahoma law recognizes two primary types of custody:
Legal custody: The right to make major decisions about the child's life, including education, medical care, and religious upbringing.
Physical custody: The right to have the child live with you. Physical custody can be shared between both parents or granted primarily to one parent with visitation rights for the other.
Factors Considered
When determining custody, the court considers several factors:
Parental preference: The wishes of the child's parents regarding custody.
Parent-child relationship: The strength and nature of the child's relationship with each parent.
Stability of home environment: Each parent's ability to provide a stable, loving home.
Physical and mental health: The physical and mental well-being of all parties involved.
History of abuse or neglect: Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect.
Willingness to foster relationship: Each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent.
Child's preference: Depending on the child's age and maturity, their preference may also be taken into account.
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Reach Out to UsParenting Schedules
Parenting schedules are designed to outline the specific times that each parent will spend with their child. These schedules aim to provide consistency and structure for the child's daily routine, ensuring they maintain strong relationships with both parents.
Oklahoma family courts generally follow these principles for determining parenting schedules:
Children thrive when both parents are actively involved in their lives.
Each parent offers unique and valuable contributions to their children's growth.
Unless harm is shown, children should have both structured and unstructured time with each parent.
Parents who can agree on visitation schedules and show flexibility are preferred over court-imposed solutions.
Divorced or separated parents have a duty to their children, including avoiding conflict, maintaining consistent rules and values, and adjusting schedules when needed.
Custody Modification
Life is dynamic, and circumstances can change. The law allows for modifications to existing custody orders if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in the child's needs, one parent's relocation, or any other substantial change.
To modify a custody order, you'll need to file a motion with the court detailing the changed circumstances and explaining why a modification is in the child's best interest.
Enforcing Custody Orders
It is illegal to violate a court-ordered custody arrangement. If one parent is consistently not following the agreed-upon schedule or withholding visitation rights, the other parent can file a motion to enforce the custody order.
If found guilty of violating a custody order, consequences may include fines, community service, and even jail time. It is essential to consult with an experienced family law attorney if you believe your ex-spouse is not adhering to the agreed-upon custody arrangements.
Our Tulsa family law firm can assist with taking the necessary steps to ensure that custody orders are respected, and that your child’s well-being is not compromised.
The Role of Paternity
Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. This determination is essential for securing a father’s rights and responsibilities regarding custody, visitation, and child support.
In Oklahoma, paternity can be established voluntarily through an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form signed by both parents, or through a court order if there is a dispute or uncertainty.
Once paternity is established, fathers gain the legal right to seek custody and visitation arrangements that serve the best interests of their child. Paternity also ensures that children can benefit from their father's medical history, inheritance rights, and financial support.
Establishing paternity is a crucial step in child custody cases, particularly for unmarried parents. Our experienced paternity attorney, Todd Alexander, can guide you through the process, whether you need to establish paternity voluntarily or contest a paternity claim.
We're Committed to Your Family's Future
Our firm is dedicated to advocating for child custody arrangements that serve the best interests of your child and your family unit.
We understand the profound emotional and practical implications of custody decisions and aim to provide thoughtful, compassionate representation throughout the entire process. By working closely with you, we strive to create a custody arrangement that fosters a nurturing and stable environment for your child.
Whether your case requires negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our primary goal is to protect your interests and ensure your child's well-being. Our commitment to providing thorough, ethical, and effective representation in child custody cases has earned us the trust of numerous lifelong clients. Once your case is resolved, we'll continue to be available for any future modifications or enforcement issues that may arise.
Child Custody Attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma
If you're dealing with child custody issues in Tulsa, Oklahoma, reach out to us at The Alexander Law Firm. Our child custody and visitation lawyer offers experienced and compassionate representation and will guide you through every step of the legal process. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help protect your rights and your children's best interests.