If the Department of Human Services (DHS) orders you to participate in an Individualized Service Plan (ISP), you may wonder whether you are legally obligated to comply. DHS typically requires an ISP when it becomes involved in a family’s life due to allegations of neglect, abuse, or other safety concerns regarding a child. This article will help walk you through…
When a public defender is appointed for a child, it is for the child’s best interests. Family law cases in Oklahoma can become complex when the court determines that a child requires independent legal representation. It may come as a surprise to parents when the court assigns a public defender or other attorney to represent their child in proceedings. Examples…
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…
Understanding the Steps to Get a Custody Order in Oklahoma makes things a bit easier. Navigating the process of securing a custody order in Oklahoma can be challenging, but knowing the steps involved can help you prepare and potentially ease the process. Read on to learn what to expect as you work towards a custody agreement that best serves your…
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…
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to file for divorce and are concerned about child custody while your child is in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS), it’s essential to understand how the law affects your case. This article will walk you through what you need to know about your rights and…
A nail bed drug test can be ordered by a court in a child custody case. In child custody cases, courts often consider evidence showing each parent’s ability to provide a safe and stable environment. If there are concerns about drug use, the court may order drug testing to assess the risk and ensure the child’s safety. One method is…
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…
A supervised visitation order may be necessary when the usual parent-child interactions need strict oversight for the safety and well-being of the children involved. This includes cases of severe parental neglect, substance abuse, or psychological issues that could impair a parent’s ability to provide a safe environment during visitation. Under the Oklahoma Child Supervised Visitation Program, supervised visitation means that…
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…
Shared custody has a significant impact when it comes to child support arrangements in Oklahoma. Understanding how the state calculates child support in shared custody scenarios is crucial for parents navigating custody agreements. This article explains how shared custody affects child support calculations and the legal factors involved. Understanding Shared Custody In Oklahoma, shared custody means that both parents have…
There are several essential parental rights in Oklahoma, which are fundamental in ensuring the welfare and upbringing of children. These rights are protected and enforced by state laws, providing parents with the authority and responsibilities necessary for the care and guidance of their children. Essential Parental Rights To Custody In Oklahoma, parents have the right to seek custody of their…
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…
Sharing custody of special needs children can be particularly challenging, requiring parents to address unique considerations and collaborate effectively. In Oklahoma, prioritizing the child’s best interests involves careful planning and open communication. Here are some tips to help parents navigate this complex child custody process. Develop a Detailed Parenting Plan Start by creating a comprehensive parenting plan tailored to your…
The Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act (UCAPA) aims to prevent child abduction by providing tools and guidelines. This Act protects children from both domestic and international abductions, especially in custody disputes or other family law matters. Understanding the UCAPA is essential for parents, guardians, and legal practitioners involved in child custody and abduction prevention cases. Key Provisions of the Uniform…
When you’re facing a separation or divorce in Oklahoma, one of your primary concerns is likely who will get custody of your children. Understanding the legal options and eligibility for requesting custody is crucial. This post will guide you through who can ask for child custody in Oklahoma. Eligibility for Requesting Child Custody In Oklahoma, the right to request child…
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…
In the complex landscape of child custody law, few issues evoke more emotional turmoil and legal entanglements than disputes over child custody and visitation rights. Oklahoma has established laws and procedures to address these matters fairly and in the best interest of the child. However, when a custodial parent withholds visitation from the non-custodial parent, it can have serious consequences,…
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…
Some might say that Appealing A Family Law Decision is a bold move. I don’t think of it the same way. Sometimes a decision in family court is just absolutely wrong on its face and begs to be appealed. Divorce and custody battles can be emotionally taxing and legally complex. This same complexity sometimes explains why the Judge in your…
The Truth About How To Fight a False Protective Order in Oklahoma Protective orders, also known as restraining orders, serve as a crucial legal mechanism to protect individuals from domestic violence. They are also used as a legal tool to combat harassment, stalking, or any form of abuse. However, the order can and are often times falsely obtained. People who…
The impact of suicidal allegations in custody cases can be significant. In the world of child custody emotion runs high. While the family law courts always prioritize the best interest of the child in making custody decisions other factors weigh heavy on custody arrangements. One such factor is the mental health of the parents. The impact of a parents mental…
Child Custody In Legal Separation is major part of the process if you have minor children. In Oklahoma, when a married couple is having trouble its understandable that they are not always sure if its time for divorce or if a legal separation is better. A legal separation is that place in the relationship where the marital bond may not…
In Oklahoma permanent guardianships of children are not always permanent. In the world of child welfare and family law, guardianship plays a major role, especially in cases where a child’s biological parents are unable to provide proper care. The state of Oklahoma has a legal process for what is known as permanent guardianship. This type of guardianship, while intended for…
When you’re going through a divorce in Oklahoma, understanding how alimony works and when alimony is awarded is important. Alimony, AKA spousal support, is a form of financial assistance that one spouse may be a requirement to provide to the other after the dissolution of marriage. The laws in Oklahoma cover when they award alimony, its duration and if it’s…
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…
You can still adopt your stepchildren even if the natural parent objects. In the state of Oklahoma, stepchild adoption is a legal process that creates a permanent parent-child relationship between the stepparent and the stepchild. However, the path to adoption can be particularly challenging when a biological parent does not consent. Under certain conditions laid out by Oklahoma statutes, specifically…
An Oklahoma family law appeal requires very specific procedures’ to be followed. When you have to face a family law judgment that you believe is unjust, you may have the option to appeal. When navigating the complexities of a family law appeal in Oklahoma, understanding the nuances of the process is crucial. This includes knowing the grounds for an appeal,…
Discovery in a divorce is an important tool parties can use as both a weapon and a shield. In family law cases discovery is a legal process that allows parties involved in a dispute to gather information. It is there to gather evidence, and relevant facts from each other before trial. The purpose of discovery in family law is to…
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…
An annulment in Oklahoma is much different than a divorce. You can get your marriage annulled but there are very specific things that must be done. An annulment is a legal procedure that effectively erases a marriage. Once the annulment goes through, it’s as if you were never married. There some common question about the process and they include: Legal…
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…
In Oklahoma family law cases you cannot empty bank accounts in divorce after the initial filing of the case with the court. This is a tactic some try to use as a means of getting a leg up on the division of marital property. Other situations may even involve those where one spouse is trying to impoverish the other spouse…
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…
You can get divorced In Oklahoma regardless of where you were married. Divorce lawyers often encounter individuals who got married in another state but are now living in Oklahoma and seeking a divorce. They often ask, “Can you get divorced in Oklahoma if you were married in another state?”. To provide clarity on this pressing issue, we have prepared a…
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…
Grandparent visitation rights exist by common law and the court decides on a case by case basis. Oklahoma laws give preference to parents to make choices about raising their children, including whom children will spend time with, such as grandparents. Unfortunately, the law says that grandparents do not have any statutory right or constitutional right to visit their grandchildren. If the…
A court reporter in your family law case can be a crucial part of establishing a clear and irrefutable record of what happens at a court hearing or some other official proceeding, like a deposition in a divorce case. In the past, most courts hired official court reporters to work in the courtroom and take down all the proceedings at…
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…
Which parent pays for tutoring in a custody case in Oklahoma depends on several different factors. When parents separate, there are a lot of questions to answer about taking care of children and getting them everything they need to succeed in life. Divorced or Single parents must decide important issues of who is to take on which parental duties so…
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…
There are consequences if someone files a false protective order in Oklahoma. Protective orders are essential for victims of abuse to stay safe. When a court issues a protective order against a person who has abused, stalked, or harassed a victim, generally, the abuser faces legal penalties for contacting the victim, thus providing a measure of safety for those who…
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…
Ending a guardianship over a child in Oklahoma requires the parent to meet certain standards. The standards are determined by the family law court over seeing the guardianship case. In Oklahoma, a court can place your children under the care and authority of someone else in legal guardianship. Yet, guardianship does not permanently end your parental rights. In some cases,…
In an Oklahoma contested child custody case a Guardian Ad Litem Is often ordered by the family court. Whether you and your child’s other parent are separating, divorcing, or your unwedded romantic relationship is ending, you may need to consider formalizing a child custody arrangement. Some co-parents agree on most issues about their children, while others might spend years in…
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…
The process of getting a divorce can be difficult no matter who the parties are. With long hours and the extra burden that can be a part the job, doctors can be particularly vulnerable to their marriages falling apart. Because many doctors are high-income earners and some have their own private practice, a divorce involving one or more doctors can…
Special age considerations for child visitation orders in Oklahoma exist but depend on many different factors. If you are a noncustodial parent, visitation and custody is a crucial part of maintaining your relationship with your children. In establishing your rights to visitation and custody the age of your minor child may affect these valuable visitation rights? Best Interests Of The…
When a spouse refuses to sign the divorce you have several options. Oklahoma is one of the few remaining states that allow divorces based on fault in addition to no-fault divorces. In some circumstances, both spouses may not want to divorce. It is not uncommon for only one spouse to want the marriage to end. In this case, the non-agreeable…
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…
Parental kidnapping in Oklahoma is a serious crime. This crime occurs when one parent takes a child from the other parent without legal permission. In the United States, parental kidnapping is most common type of kidnapping, as parents are more likely to commit the crime than non-parents. Normally this kind of kidnapping is part of an ongoing child custody case or a divorce. Most state…
Its not uncommon in divorce or child custody cases where a spouse files a protective order against the other side. A protective order in Oklahoma is a court order that protects specific individuals from harassment or abuse. The order limits another person’s behavior towards the individual requesting protection. They can be filed by anyone against another in which they are…
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….
Its common to ask is inheritance part of a divorce settlement in Oklahoma. The answer depends on several factors. There are two approaches to dividing property in a divorce case used by the legal systems of the fifty states. Some states, especially those in the western U.S., use community property rules to divide marital property equally. Oklahoma follows the majority…
Child Custody For Unmarried Parents in Oklahoma is determined by filing a petition for paternity in the district court where the child is found. It may come as a surprise that ninety percent (90%) of all child custody arrangements are determined through mutual agreement between the parents, without court intervention. So what happens when the parents cannot agree on the…
The best custody arrangement In Oklahoma depends on the particular situation and facts of your case. Going through a separation or divorce can come with many logistical and emotional challenges. If there are children involved, it can be even more difficult. There can be many factors in deciding on a plan for custody and visitation. At the center of custody…
Oklahoma has certain guardianship requirements for those seeking a guardianship of another person. There are some unfortunate situations in life that might result in a person becoming unable to make their own decisions. Legally, this is known as being incapacitated. When someone becomes incapacitated and cannot handle their affairs, they can have a guardian appointed to them who will step…
There is a waiting period for divorce in Oklahoma that depends on a few different factors. Deciding to get a divorce can be one of the most challenging decisions you’ll have to face. Not only are there all kinds of arrangements to consider, but there are also so many emotions to navigate. Adding the grieving of your relationship to all…
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…
A high asset divorce in Oklahoma requires a certain set of legal skills. You’ve worked all your life to get to where you are, and divorce shouldn’t strip you of all that you have. You may have come into the marriage with a business that you’ve built and now its worth millions. Still others come into a marriage with large…
Getting parental consent to get a passport shouldn’t be so difficult but sometimes it is. Traveling is fun. The world is vast and has so much to show you and your child. When you’re a parent, it’s not hard to imagine times when you want to travel with your child overseas. But there are times when you need parental consent…
There are a number of benefits that flow from mediation in divorce and custody family law cases. A mediator helps divorcing spouses work through disputes potentially avoiding a full-blown child custody trial. Divorce mediation can be a viable way for spouses to reach agreements related to asset division, parenting plans, and other important issues that arise in the break-up. Not…
If you have been appointed as a guardian or a guardian was appointed over your children there are certain obligations that go with it. The obligations may also extend to adult guardianships. That title carries with it certain responsibilities and requirements that continue throughout its duration. While guardianship can continue indefinitely, in most cases, it terminates or ends (e.g. no…
In Oklahoma, adultery and child custody are common issues in divorce and paternity cases. Finding out your Childs parent has been unfaithful can be a crushing blow. The betrayal and shame surrounding the breach of trust can cause feelings of anger and resentfulness. While some couples may work through the feelings that adultery may present, it can signal the end…
Reasons parents lose custody In custody disputes are wide ranging. Most involve best interest of the child arguments and seriously impact final decisions. The time that you have with your children is invaluable. If you are like most parents, there is nothing that you would not do to protect your right to see them. Unfortunately, having to share that time…
In most cases, the adoption of a child is a joyous occasion that benefits both the child and the adoptive parent. Children have been known to thrive in households where there are two stable and consistent parents. As a result, many stepparents look to adopt their stepchildren as a way to give them the permanency that they crave. But what…
Who is the primary custodian in child custody cases in Oklahoma depends on several different factors. When parents’ divorce, they or the court must decide which parent will become the primary custodian. Namely, primary physical custodians will have the children more time than the other parent does. For this reason, when both parents seek to be the primary custodian, a…
Your child custody agreement is a crucial document that will control where and with whom your child will live. This document will also cover things like medical coverage, where the child will go to school, and religious preferences. It is important then that you take special care in drafting this agreement so that it will be clear and enforceable. Custody…
Mediation In Child Custody and Divorce or paternity In Oklahoma is designed to settle your case without a trial. An unfortunate reality of having kids or marriage is the possibility of it ending in a dispute. If your marriage ends or you have a child custody disputes, your entire life can be flipped upside down. The emotions and feelings that…
Shared Parenting in Oklahoma is a form of child custody. One of the most challenging parts of any divorce or child custody case involving children is determining custody of the kids. These cases are often highly emotional and challenging for the entire family. Fortunately, some parents can work out schedules and plans together without spending significant time and money on…
A emergency protective order in Oklahoma helps provide security to victims of abuse and to individuals who suspect they will be victims of abuse without legal protections. There are three different categories of protective orders in Oklahoma. It is crucial for anyone who fears for their safety to understand whether they have the right to obtain any of these orders….
Court ordered drug tests used in child custody cases are fairly common in Tulsa family law court. When an adult abuses alcohol or drugs, they may suffer physical and mental health consequences. But when children are involved, the picture changes quite dramatically because the health of the children are at stake. For this reason, people often wonder whether drug testing…
Child custody and unmarried parents are often issues related to judicial determinations of paternity. If an unmarried couple has one or more children and decides to part ways in the State of Oklahoma, then they might fight over who gets the kids after the separation. The rule for most states is that the mother gets awarded sole physical custody unless…
Temporary Custody Orders in a custody case mark the first custody leading up to a final order. If you and your spouse are heading down divorce or paternity lane, and you have children together, then you’ll have to work out a child custody arrangement. While most parents have plenty of time to figure out child custody – some need arrangements…
Social media has become an integral part of our lives today. While social media interactions are mostly healthy and beneficial, you should be aware of the potential impact of social media in a Tulsa custody case. Child custody battles, in particular, can be highly sensitive matters, and what you post on social media before or during the case can have…
Psychological Testing in Child Custody cases in Tulsa is not that uncommon. When children are involved in a divorce or paternity case, it’s paramount to keep their best interests in mind while evaluating your options for child custody. In some cases, the other parent may be suffering from a mental health issue and may not be fit to care for…
To modify child custody in Tulsa family law cases there are some helpful things to consider. Oklahoma divorce and child custody cases are generally final. However, orders marked as final or permanent can be altered and modified later under certain conditions. In essence, child custody orders can be changed later on if there are compelling reasons. Modifications are granted when…
If your child visitation is denied you have legal options. Oklahoma parents that have ended their relationship or filed for divorce must have an enforceable custody agreement in place. These become legally binding on both parents once a child custody order is signed by the district court judge hearing the child custody and visitation case. If one of the parents…
Oklahoma custody and visitation during Coronavirus may be impacted but be careful. With the Family Law Courts in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma effectively closed parents have lots of questions. Many of them involve violations of the existing orders or interpretations of them. Still others involve each parents responsibility to keep the children safe from the virus. In any family law…
Oklahoma Common Law Marriage has been recognized in the State for over 100 years. It is a long-held tradition to uphold in the courts, if a common law marriage actually exists. So, for instance if you question whether or not you are participating in a common law marriage, then this article will answer some of those questions for you. Read…
Modifying Tulsa Divorce decree is possible. Several things happen in life that cause force us into modifying Tulsa divorce decree. An example may be that the original decree awarded joint physical custody but its always been one parent that’s had custody. Or there are times when because of changes in your income or former spouses income that make modifying child…
Oklahoma Grandparent rights exit…maybe. The reason I express caution is that the right isn’t absolute. Just like opinions that say there isn’t a right, it also isn’t absolute. Oklahoma Grandparent rights spring from, if at all, what the law calls a totality of the circumstances not a statute. This is a complicated way of saying that the law looks at…