What Are Some Essential Parental Rights in Oklahoma

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 children. Custody can be divided into two categories.

Physical custody refers to where the child lives, and the day-to-day care provided by the custodial parent. Parents can share physical custody (joint custody) or one parent can have primary physical custody while the other has visitation rights.

Legal custody involves the right to make significant decisions about the child’s life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Parents can share legal custody, or one parent can have sole legal custody.

Visitation Rights

Even if one parent has primary physical custody, the non-custodial parent has the right to visitation. These rights ensure that both parents maintain a meaningful relationship with their child and the court typically sets a visitation schedule to ensure regular and consistent contact.

Decision-Making Rights

Parents have the right to make important decisions regarding their child’s welfare. These include choosing where the child will go to school, decisions about medical care, and deciding on their religious upbringing.

Right to Relocate

Parents have the right to relocate, but there are specific legal requirements and procedures in Oklahoma. If a custodial parent wishes to move with the child, they must give written notice to the non-custodial parent at least 60 days before. The non-custodial parent can agree to the move, or the custodial parent is able to seek court approval if there is an objection.

Right to Modify Custody and Visitation Orders

Parents have the right to request modifications to custody and visitation orders if there is a significant change in circumstances. This ensures that the arrangements continue to serve the best interests of the child.

However, if one parent violates custody or visitation orders, the other parent has the right to seek court enforcement. This can include filing a motion for contempt as well as requesting other legal remedies.

Tulsa Family Lawyers

The essential parental rights in Oklahoma encompass a range of responsibilities aimed at ensuring the best interests of the child. Understanding these rights is crucial for both custodial and non-custodial parents. Whether it involves making important decisions about the child’s life, seeking custody, or enforcing visitation rights, parents in Oklahoma are provided with a legal framework to support their role in their child’s upbringing. If you need help, contact the Tulsa family lawyers at Kania Law Office by calling us at (918)–743-2233 or online.