Guide To Child Custody Laws In Oklahoma – A Lawyer Explores The Basic

Child custody laws in Oklahoma expect certain things from a Childs parents. If you and your child’s other parent are splitting up, you likely have many concerns about how your child’s custody will be determined. You may be worried that a judge will make decisions about child custody that aren’t in your child’s best interests. Thankfully, most child custody cases settle without a trial. Ideally, you and your spouse—along with your lawyers—can negotiate or mediate a child custody settlement that is agreeable to both of you. In that case, the Oklahoma family courts will likely honor the terms of your arrangement. If you and your child’s other parent can reach an agreement, the power to determine your child custody arrangements will remain with you. If you cannot come to an agreement, the court will settle any differences between you according to child custody laws in Oklahoma.

Experienced Child Custody Attorneys In Oklahoma

In a child custody case experience matters. In our state the factors that can impact a child custody arrangement or which parents is named the primary custodian are far and wide. From those cases of unmarried parents to those that are part of a divorce or modification custody cases can be complicated. . When you are involved in this kind of case the moves you make are important. Sometimes the parents get along and things just work out. This is great but many other times circumstances intervene making for a high conflict custody matter. Regardless of your individual needs its important to prepare for future uncertainty by hiring experienced family law attorneys.

Can I Decide How I Want Child Custody To Be Divided?

In Oklahoma, parents are generally entitled to decide the terms of their parenting arrangements. As long as a mutually agreed-upon child custody arrangement reflects your child’s needs, a family law judge will likely sign off on it without issue.

If you and your child’s other parent disagree on the “ins and outs” of child custody, the court will need to step in and settle the matter. It is generally better to work with an attorney to negotiate or mediate any disputes with your child’s other parent when possible. It is usually better for everyone involved if parents can agree instead of leaving their family’s future up to a judge.

What Is The Legal Standard For Deciding Child Custody Matters?

Every family law court in Oklahoma—and throughout the nation—is required to settle child custody disputes according to the “best interests of the child” standard. Therefore, it is essential to frame your child custody argument with your child’s best interests at the heart of every consideration you make. For example, when you’re thinking about how holidays should be divided between you and your child’s other parent, you’ll want to consider what arrangement best serves your child’s interests, not your own convenience.

During child custody negotiations, it is very easy to get bogged down by logistics, emotions, and stress. Reframing all of your concerns and arguments according to the “best interests of the child” standard will help you remain on track. Why? If you and your child’s other parent cannot come to an agreement about custody, a judge will need to intervene. If a judge intervenes in your case and your arguments are already in line with the “best interests of the child” standard, you’ll be in the best possible position to win your case.

Will The Court Take My Child’s Preference Into Consideration?

If you and your child’s other parent don’t agree to specific custody terms, the court will need to intervene. Before ruling in either party’s favor, the judge assigned to your case will weigh the factors in the case related to your child’s best interests. If your child is 12 years old or older, the court may consider your child’s preference when making this decision. First, the court must decide whether stating a preference is in your child’s best interests. If the court believes that it is in your child’s best interests to express a preference about custody, your child may be interviewed about their thoughts and feelings on the matter.

According to Oklahoma child custody laws, no judge is bound by a child’s stated preference. But any child aged 12 or older is generally considered capable of stating an “intelligent preference” about custody matters. This means that unless there is a solid reason not to take a child’s preference into account, the court will consider your child’s preference if one is stated for the record.

Legal Assistance Is Available

Child custody laws in Oklahoma can be complicated. No single approach to child custody works best for every family. Our family lawyers consider it a privilege to advocate for whatever approach to child custody is healthiest for any individual family. If you have questions or concerns about navigating the child custody process, connect with our team today to clarify your rights and options. Once we understand the ins and outs of your unique circumstances, we’ll provide you with objective feedback that will help you to make informed decisions moving forward. We look forward to speaking with you. Free consultation at 918.743.2233 or contact us online.