Norman Child Custody Lawyer

In the state of Oklahoma, both parents are granted physical child custody of any child born during their marriage. In some child custody situations, physical custody can be granted to both parents where a child was born out of wedlock, but there must be agreement established explaining that the husband will be the child’s father. This means that both parents can live with their child until a court order has been finalized.

Call (405) 266-5072or contact us online today to consult a child custody lawyer serving Norman, Oklahoma!

How Is Child Custody Determined in Norman, Oklahoma?

After a divorce, the court will make child custody and visitation determinations based on “the best interests of the physical, mental, and moral welfare of the child.” The court relies on a variety of factors to establish child custody and visitation orders.

Key Factors for Child Custody in Norman, Oklahoma:

• The relationship between the child and the parents
• The child’s relationship to his/her extended family members
• The mental and physical states of each parent and the child
• Each parent’s wishes (the child’s may be considered too – depending on his/her age)
• The child’s relationship and involvement with school and his/her community
• Any history or potential history of spousal or child abuse by either parent
• Any past or present drug or substance abuse by either parent
• Any past or present criminal actions and/or convictions by either parent (other than minor infractions)
• Which parent is actively involved in the child’s school events, education, doctor and dentist appointments
• Which parent is most likely able to provide a safe home environment for the child
• Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs
• Each parent’s ability to spend time with the child

Types of Child Custody in Norman, Oklahoma

It is important to note that most courts in Norman, Oklahoma combine the terms physical and legal child custody into one term, referring to both as “custody.”

Different Types of Custody in Oklahoma:

• Physical Custody – This refers to where and with whom the child will live.
• Legal Custody – This refers to the parent who will make legal decisions about the child’s education, health, religion, etc.

Categories of Physical and Legal Custody:

• Sole Legal Custody – This is given to one parent who will be the only individual to make legal decisions about the child’s education, health, religion, etc.
• Joint Legal Custody – This custody allows both parents to make legal decisions regarding the child’s education, health, and religion, etc.
• Sole Physical Custody – This type of custody is where the child lives with one parent and the other parent has visitation rights.
• Joint Physical Custody – In this type of custody agreement, the child resides with each parent for a certain duration of time.
• Temporary Custody Order – Temporary custody orders can be physical or legal custody orders requested by the parents or ordered by the court until a final custody and visitation order is granted.

Is Oklahoma Considered a Mother State for Custody Decisions?

Oklahoma is sometimes viewed as a “mother state” because when a couple is not married but has children together, the courts will most often grant the mother custody if the relationship dissolves.

How Can a Father Get Full Custody in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, courts do not plan to award sole custody to the mother or father. Instead, the court considers what is in the child's best interest. Specifically, the court finds the parents' wishes or preferences regarding the child's care. Contact our attorneys for fathers' rights in Oklahoma.