A parent does not have to be represented by a family attorney, OKC does not require one to negotiate a custody agreement. Still, it would benefit you greatly to have one. You may not know all of Oklahoma’s custody laws. The best thing you can do is hire a family custody lawyer for peace of mind.
Understanding Family Court and Child Custody
People often have domestic disputes, and the legal entity they must use to resolve them is the family court system. A judge oversees these matters, and they include divorce, domestic violence, and child custody.
Sole Custody vs Joint Custody
The parent with sole physical custody has the right to make decisions for the child. This means you cannot choose the school your child attends, the church your child belongs to, or any elective medical procedures the child will have if you do not have sole custody.
With joint custody, both parents make the big decisions together. That means that you will both decide where the kids go to school, which church they belong to, which extracurricular activities they will participate in, and which medical procedures they will have. This is an option when the parents can work together in the child’s best interests.
The court determines which parent receives sole custody or if they will receive joint custody by examining the following:
- Each person’s fitness to be a parent.
- The parent’s goals for parenting the children.
- The special needs of the children.
- The bond the children share with each parent.
- The current needs and the future needs of the children.
- Whether or not the home environment is stable.
- How the couple parented their children in the past.
- If one parent has a stronger case for child custody.
Visitation Schedules
The standard visitation schedule is as follows in Oklahoma:
The non-custodial parent picks up the children from school or daycare every other Friday and keeps them for the weekend. The non-custodial parent takes the kids to school or daycare on Monday morning. For children not in school or daycare, the non-custodial parent picks the children up at the custodial parent’s home at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and returns them on Monday at 7:30 a.m.
Suppose Monday is a state or federal holiday. In that case, the non-custodial parent will return the kids on Tuesday at the regular time.
Custody Modifications
You can alter your custody arrangement, and a family custody lawyer will help you do this. It requires that you file a motion with the court explaining your reasons for modifying the agreement. You must submit evidence that supports your case.
When Do You Need a Family Custody Lawyer in Oklahoma City?
It is not always necessary to hire a family attorney, OKC does not mandate it, and your custody agreement situation may be simple to work out between two respectful and like-minded parents. The time when you need a family custody lawyer, OKC trusts is when the two of you cannot agree because the court will make these decisions for you if you cannot agree. You can avoid this by entering into negotiations or mediation with your own attorney and your ex’s attorney.
Situations when a family custody lawyer is essential include the following:
- Facing a divorce or separation involving children.
- Seeking modification of an existing agreement.
- Concern over the current child support arrangements.
- Disagreements regarding visitation schedules.
- Representing your interests in child welfare proceedings.
Family Court Lawyer for Custody: Family Custody Lawyer Near Me
At Shelton Law Firm, our child custody lawyers have extensive experience fighting for the rights of parents. We are in tune with the child’s best interests and will help you create the best situation for your family. Our attorneys will use their experience in negotiating custody issues so that both sides can come to a fair arrangement without the need for acrimonious arguments.
If needed, our attorneys will fight aggressively in court to ensure that your point of view is heard. You will always be treated compassionately and receive supportive guidance when entering difficult negotiations.
Your family attorney, OKC trusts, will maintain close contact with you so that he or she can keep you informed of every step of the legal process.
Can a Family Lawyer Represent Both Parties in a Custody Case?
One family custody lawyer can represent both parents in a custody case, but if the representation would hurt one client or the lawyer’s ability to adequately represent one client would be limited by the representation of the other client, there would be a conflict of interest. Then, the attorney would not be able to ethically represent both parties.
You should have your own family custody lawyer because your interests and legal rights will be at the forefront of the attorney’s actions. Your attorney will be your advocate in the courtroom or the negotiation room, and this is what you need during a custody hearing.
Family Lawyer for Child Custody Near Me
Our attorneys have a proven track record of winning custody cases. We are thoroughly knowledgeable about Oklahoma’s family laws and the child custody statutes in our state. We are committed to treating your case as a unique matter, so we tailor our defense to your specific needs and situation. Our attorneys also communicate with you in a manner you are comfortable with to ensure no misunderstandings.
Family Lawyer with Free Consultation Oklahoma City
We offer everyone with a child custody matter a free consultation with a qualified lawyer. At this meeting, you can ask any questions you like and receive answers that relate to your situation alone. If you prefer not to hire Shelton Law Firm after your consultation, you will not be required to do so.
Family Custody Lawyer Oklahoma City FAQs
How much does a family custody lawyer cost?
The cost of your family custody lawyer will depend on the complexity of your case. We offer transparent, free structures and will go through everything with you when you visit us for your consultation.
What should I bring to my initial consultation?
You will need to bring relevant documents that relate to your case. These include your marriage certificate, any court orders you may have, and any previous custody agreements.
What can I do to prepare for a child custody case?
You can gather the documents listed above and ensure that you cooperate with child protective services if they are involved in your case. Also, remember that you must remain calm throughout the proceedings.
Do I need a lawyer for a simple child custody case?
Your case may not be anything out of the ordinary. Still, you will fare better with a family attorney, OKC trusts to ensure that your rights are protected. This is the best way to conclude your case fairly.
Oklahoma Family Court Attorney
When custody disputes occur, they can create contentious situations for everyone involved. Consider hiring a family attorney, OKC trusts, to get the most favorable outcome from your custody hearing. We encourage you to contact us at Shelton Law Firm in Oklahoma City for a free consultation. Then, we can discuss your options and determine the best plan for moving your case forward. Give us a call, email us, or fill out our online form. We are here to help you.
Shelton Law Firm is a trusted law office serving Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. As a leading criminal defense attorney, personal injury attorney, estate planning attorney, and family attorney, we offer a wide range of legal services to protect your rights and interests. From defending against criminal charges to handling complex personal injury cases, our experienced attorneys are committed to delivering exceptional legal counsel. Trust Shelton Law Firm for your legal needs in OKC.