What is a Physical Custody Arrangement and How Does it Work?

When parents separate or divorce in Oklahoma, one of the most important issues is where the child will live and how time will be shared between parents, which is known as a physical custody arrangement. Understanding how this arrangement works can help parents create a schedule that serves their child’s best interests while maintaining strong parent–child relationships.

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What Is Physical Custody?

Physical custody refers to which parent the child lives with on a day-to-day basis. It also covers who provides the child’s daily care, including meals, transportation, and routine needs. This is separate from legal custody, which deals with major decision-making authority.

Types of Physical Custody in Oklahoma

There are 2 types of physical custody in Oklahoma:

1. Sole
   In this arrangement, the child primarily lives with one parent, while the other parent may have visitation or parenting time. Sole physical custody is common when one parent is unavailable, unfit, or when it’s in the child’s best interests to have one stable primary residence.
2. Joint
   With joint physical custody, the child splits time between both parents’ homes. This arrangement is often used when parents live near each other and can cooperate effectively. The exact schedule—whether weekly, biweekly, or another arrangement—depends on what works best for the child and parents.

How Do Courts Decide Physical Custody?

Oklahoma courts use the best interests of the child standard when deciding physical custody. Judges consider:

• Each parent’s ability to provide a safe and stable home.
• The child’s relationship with each parent.
• The child’s school and community ties.
• Any history of domestic violence, neglect, or substance abuse.
• The willingness of each parent to foster a relationship with the other parent.

For older children, the court may also consider their preference, though it is not the deciding factor.

Creating a Custody Schedule

Parents can work together to develop a parenting plan that outlines custody and visitation. A well-made plan helps avoid disputes and gives children consistency. If parents cannot agree, the court will impose a custody schedule that it believes serves the child’s best interests.

Can Custody Arrangements Be Modified?

If there is a significant change in circumstances—such as a parent relocating, a child’s changing needs, or safety concerns—either parent can request a custody modification by filing a petition in the district court that issued the original order. The parent seeking a change must show that the modification benefits the child.

Why This Arrangement Matters

A physical custody arrangement affects:

• Where the child lives and goes to school.
• How much time they spend with each parent.
• Each parent’s child support obligations.

Because custody decisions impact so many aspects of a child’s life, it’s critical to understand your options and legal rights before finalizing any agreement.

Tulsa Child Custody Attorneys

We help parents create, modify, and enforce custody arrangements that focus on what matters most—the well-being of your child. Whether you’re seeking joint custody or sole physical custody, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. For a free consultation with a Tulsa family law attorney, call Kania Law Office at 918.743.2233 or follow this link to ask a free online legal question.