Custody & Visitation: Prioritizing Your Child's Best Interests

Understanding Custody in Oklahoma

Protecting the Well-being of Your Children

• Types of Custody: Oklahoma recognizes two types of custody: legal custody, which refers to decision-making authority, and physical custody, which refers to where the child lives.

• Joint vs. Sole Custody: The court may award joint custody, where both parents share responsibilities, or sole custody, where one parent takes on the majority of the responsibilities. The preference is generally to award joint custody unless it is not in the best interest of the child.

• Determining Custody: When determining custody, Oklahoma courts prioritize the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child's age, the emotional bond between the child and each parent, and each parent's ability to provide a stable and loving home.

Establishing Visitation

Supporting Meaningful Relationships between Children and Parents

• Visitation Rights: Non-custodial parents are typically granted visitation rights, allowing them to spend quality time with their children and maintain a strong parent-child relationship.

• Types of Visitations: Visitation can be structured in several ways, including supervised, unsupervised, or following a set schedule, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

• Modifying Visitation: If a parent's situation or the child's needs change, the court may consider modifying visitation arrangements to continue serving the child's best interests.

Navigating Parental Relocation

Preserving the Best Interests of the Child in Changing Circumstances

• Relocation Requirements: In Oklahoma, if a custodial parent plans to move more than 75 miles away from their current residence, they must notify the non-custodial parent and the court at least 60 days in advance.

• Opposing Relocation: If the non-custodial parent opposes the relocation, they can file an objection with the court. The court will then determine whether the move is in the child's best interests, considering factors such as the reason for the move and the potential impact on the child's relationship with the non-custodial parent.

Enforcing Custody and Visitation Orders

Upholding Your Rights and Ensuring Your Child's Well-being

• Enforcement Options: If a parent fails to abide by custody or visitation orders, enforcement options in Oklahoma include filing a motion for contempt of court, seeking mediation, or, in some cases, requesting a change in custody.

• Legal Assistance: To protect your rights and ensure the best interests of your child, it is essential to seek legal counsel when facing custody or visitation enforcement issues.

Let Elton Jenkins Law, P.L.L.C. Guide You in Custody & Visitation Matters

Navigating custody and visitation can be an emotional and complex process, but you don't have to face it alone. The compassionate and experienced attorneys at Elton Jenkins Law, P.L.L.C. are dedicated to ensuring your child's best interests are protected and advocating for fair and balanced custody and visitation arrangements.

Entrust your custody and visitation concerns to the skilled team at Elton Jenkins Law, P.L.L.C. Contact us today at (405) 217-3623 or through our online contact form for a consultation and let us guide you in creating a nurturing and stable environment for your children.