Some men will end up on a birth certificate, but not be the father, mostly due to unexpected twists and turns. Inadvertently, this can sometimes lead to complex legal situations. While this act may stem from various circumstances, it often raises questions about parental rights, responsibilities, and the legal process involved in rectifying the situation. In Oklahoma, as in many…
It can be hard to decide between Divorce Mediation vs Litigation. When facing a divorce in Tulsa, one of the most important decisions you will make is how to resolve the key issues in your case. Two of the most common approaches are mediation and litigation, and understanding the difference can help you choose the best path forward for your…
The role of a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is to represent the child’s best interests if there are issues parents cannot agree on. In Oklahoma custody cases, the court may appoint a GAL, which plays a crucial role in ensuring that the child’s welfare remains the top priority throughout the legal proceedings. Understanding the role and responsibilities, as well as…
When going through a child custody trial in Oklahoma, emotions run high, and every piece of evidence can feel like it could tip the scales. One question that often arises is: what happens if your child says something important outside of court? This is where the concept of child hearsay comes into play. Let’s break it down so you understand…
Changing a child’s last name is a significant decision that can impact their identity and legal documents. If you are a parent in Oklahoma, you might be wondering whether the other parent can change your child’s last name without your consent. Read on to learn more about the legal processes and requirements in Oklahoma concerning this matter, helping you understand…
In Oklahoma, a temporary order in a divorce or paternity case is a court order that addresses immediate issues while the divorce is pending. It’s put in place to provide stability and structure for the couple and any children involved until a final divorce decree is issued. Its put in place shortly after the divorce is filed. The order requires…
There are many things that determine who gets custody, and due to the complexity of custody cases in Oklahoma, many will be specific to each situation. In any custody case, the primary focus is always the best interests of the child. Here are the top 10 factors that determine custody outcomes in Oklahoma. 1. Best Interests of the Child The…
Parenting plans are crucial when you’re navigating child custody. In Oklahoma, courts often require a parenting plan in custody cases to ensure both parents remain involved in their children’s lives. This article explains what a parenting plan is, its components, and why having one is beneficial in Oklahoma. What are Parenting Plans? A parenting plan is a written document that…
In Oklahoma, fathers have specific legal rights and responsibilities concerning their children. Understanding fathers rights is crucial for any father navigating family law matters, whether it’s about custody, visitation, or child support. This article outlines the essential aspects of fathers’ rights in Oklahoma. Establishing Paternity and Fathers Rights The first step to getting fathers’ rights is to establish paternity, which…
Knowing the basics of paternity testing in Tulsa can be an essential step in legal matters concerning child support, custody, and parental rights in Tulsa County. In many states, state laws and local regulations guide the testing process to ensure fairness. If you’re a potential father hoping to create relationship with a child or a mother looking to confirm a…
The history of Oklahoma is intricately intertwined with Tribal law. Part of this history and the complexity of family law is reflected in the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). This legislation is critical and is designed to protect the welfare and rights of Native children and their culture as a whole. Created in 1978, the ICWA was a response to…
Helping Teens Deal With Divorcing Parents is a more nuanced part of a divorce and custody case. If you’re going through a divorce and custody case and have a teenager, it’s important to understand the specific challenges they might face and the best ways to support them during this tumultuous time. Below, you’ll find some key recommendations on how to…
If your wife gets pregnant by another man while the two of you are married you must act fast. Navigating the complexities of a divorce can be challenging, especially when unexpected situations arise. If you’re in the midst of a divorce and discover that your soon-to-be ex-wife is pregnant with another man’s child, it’s natural to have questions and concerns…
A child support computation is always part of a custody case. In every Oklahoma divorce or child custody case, the court must include child support. This includes all cases including guardianship, emergency custody, and modifications of existing custody orders. The computation not only includes support but also medical care, and education of the children.” Oklahoma uses the Oklahoma Child Support…
To divorce a spouse in another state or when you don’t know where they are certain things must be done first. Navigating through a divorce can be a challenging process with specific requirements. This is especially the true if your spouse resides in a different state. Its also true if you don’t know where your spouse lives so that you…
Which parent picks the school their children attend is sometimes more complicated than parents anticipate. When it comes to divorce or paternity proceedings in Oklahoma, one of the most critical decisions couples with children must make involves child custody and the subsequent considerations that come with it. A pivotal issue within this realm is determining which school your child should…
A “2-2-3” child visitation schedule in Oklahoma is a type of parenting time arrangement commonly used in shared custody or joint custody situations after a divorce or separation. It’s designed to provide both parents with regular and consistent time with their child or children. In a 2-2-3 visitation schedule, the child alternates between spending two days with one parent, two…
As in most jurisdictions, determining whether a parent is unfit in Oklahoma involves considering a range of factors related to the parent’s behavior, conduct, and ability to care for their child. A family court will typically make this determination based on evidence presented during legal proceedings, often as part of child custody or termination of parental rights cases. The determination…
To prove contempt in family court there are certain very specific requirements that must be met to win your case. When a court issues rulings in a divorce or custody case, those orders are legally binding and must be followed as given. Its not uncommon for the orders of the court not to be followed by a parent that feels…
To calculate child support in Oklahoma there are a few things you need to know first. If you are the biological or legal parent of a child, you are generally obligated to pay child support, regardless of whether you are married to the child’s other parent or its part of a paternity action. Additionally, if you have signed an affidavit…
Unmarried Fathers rights to custody and visitation are the same as they are for married fathers. Thanks to a new law that recently took effect in Oklahoma, unmarried fathers and mothers now have equal parental rights and obligations for a child born outside of a marriage relationship when a paternity acknowledgment is signed. Hospitals have the responsibility to help new parents…
Oklahoma law recognizes two types of contempt, called direct and indirect contempt. Direct contempt happens in the presence of the judge when someone purposefully interferes with the judge’s job and willfully fails to follow the judge’s orders in court. Indirect contempt happens when the person fails to follow the court’s orders outside of court. In domestic and family law, indirect…
In Oklahoma custody of stepchildren after a divorce or paternity case is complicated. When a marriage ends in divorce, one of the central questions to resolve is the custody of children and this sometimes includes custody of stepchildren. Divorce is often hardest on children in the relationship, who may not understand the situation and its reasons, which can lead to…
If you’re asking yourself if I can fire my family law attorney the answer is yes but there are a few things to consider. For many people, the fight over the custody of their children is a matter of extreme importance. Your ability to see your children and be a part of their lives is a precious thing that you…
In Oklahoma, fathers rights to custody are the same as they are for the mother. There are several factors that help Judges determine child custody in our state. In Oklahoma the family law courts determine child custody based largely on the best interests of the child. The best interest test considers a variety of different factors. Some of the factors…
A parent that is using drugs and alcohol in Oklahoma could lose visitation. Learning that your child’s parent is taking drugs can be distressing, particularly when the individual has visitation rights with your child. Per Oklahoma law, children have a right to communicate and visit with their family, kin, and community regularly, as long as the communication or visitation is consistent…
To establish paternity In Oklahoma you must follow very specific guidelines. Certainly, the conversation surrounding who is the father of a child can be an uncomfortable one. While popular television shows make light of the situation, determining if you are the father of a child is a serious matter with life-altering consequences. Couples that are not married may need assistance…
If your child doesn’t want to visit the other parent there are certain things that you should consider. Like other states, Oklahoma considers regular and continuous contact between a minor child and parent an essential part of a parent-child relationship. However, this can be more difficult when parents divorce or when you have an order for paternity setting out custody…
There are different kinds of evidence in a custody dispute. The evidence used will help the courts determine which parent should have sole custody or if joint custody is better. In Oklahoma, a judge will only approve a custody plan that promotes the best interests of the child. If parents cannot mutually agree to such a plan, the court will…
You can get a divorce in Oklahoma based on cheating. While Oklahoma grants no-fault divorces, it is one of the remaining states that also grant divorces based on fault, including adultery. Oklahoma law offers a list of grounds for divorce, which can significantly impact how marital assets are divided and custody issues are addressed. Getting A Divorce In Oklahoma Getting a…
Oklahoma workers compensation benefits affect child support in some instances. Oklahoma law imposes a legal duty on parents to support, protect, and care for their minor children. This includes financial support based on Oklahoma’s child support guidelines. The Oklahoma guidelines require specific data about the number of children subject to the support order, any other children, each parent’s income, the…
A child can decide which parent they want to live with in certain limited cases. The determination relating to the custody of children is often the most challenging issue to decide in a divorce or paternity case. The primary concern of any Oklahoma court with jurisdiction over a divorce or custody case is making decisions in the child’s best interests….