What’s the Difference Between Legal and Physical Custody?

What's the Difference Between Legal and Physical Custody?

In Oklahoma family law, understanding the difference between legal and physical custody is essential for any parent navigating a divorce, separation, or child custody case. These terms define distinct types of parental rights and responsibilities, and they play a major role in how courts allocate parenting duties. What Is Legal Custody? Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about a child’s life. This includes: In Oklahoma, legal custody can be: Joint legal custody is common unless the court believes cooperation between the parents is… Read More

What is a Writ of Habeas Corpus and How Does it Work in Family Law Cases?

Writ of Habeas Corpus

In family law, a writ of habeas corpus can be a powerful legal tool to resolve custody and visitation disputes—particularly when one parent is unlawfully withholding a child from the other. Although many associate this remedy with criminal cases and unlawful imprisonment, it also plays an important role in civil matters involving children in Oklahoma. What Is a Writ of Habeas Corpus? “Habeas corpus” is a Latin term meaning “you shall have the body.” It is a court order that requires a person who has custody of… Read More

Can I Get Guardianship If I Have A Felony?

Guardianship With A Felony

If you’re wanting to be a guardian in Oklahoma but have a felony on your record, you may wonder whether that criminal history disqualifies you. While a felony conviction is a serious matter, it does not always mean you are automatically barred from obtaining guardianship. Oklahoma law allows courts to evaluate each case individually, focusing on the best interests of the child or incapacitated adult. What Is Guardianship in Oklahoma? Guardianship is a legal arrangement where the court gives one person (the guardian) the authority to care… Read More

What Does a Protective Order Do?

Protective Order

A protective order is a legal tool issued by a judge to protect a person from harassment, abuse, stalking, or threats. In Oklahoma, courts use protective orders to provide immediate and enforceable boundaries between the person seeking protection (the petitioner) and the person they accuse of harmful conduct (the respondent). Protective orders are common in cases involving domestic violence, but they can also be issued in situations involving dating partners, neighbors, coworkers, or strangers. Types of Protective Orders in Oklahoma Oklahoma law provides for two primary types… Read More

What Are Visitation Rights In Oklahoma?

Visitation Rights

Visitation Rights are common in custody cases, but what exactly are they? In Oklahoma, when parents separate or divorce, one of the most important issues to resolve is how each parent will maintain a relationship with their child. If one parent receives primary custody, the other typically receives visitation rights—also called “parenting time.” These rights ensure that children can maintain meaningful contact with both parents, even when they no longer live together. What Are Visitation Rights? Visitation rights give a non-custodial parent the legal right to spend… Read More

What Do I Have To Prove To Get Sole Child Custody in Oklahoma

Get Sole Child Custody

If you’re trying to get sole child custody in Oklahoma, you need to understand what the court requires, how to present your case, and what factors can influence the judge’s decision. While many courts favor joint custody arrangements that allow both parents to remain involved in the child’s life, some situations call for a parent to seek sole custody. What Is Sole Custody? In Oklahoma, sole custody means that one parent has the exclusive right to make decisions about the child’s upbringing. This includes education, healthcare, religion,… Read More

8 Factors That Help The Judge Decide Who Gets Custody in Oklahoma

Who Gets Custody

Questions about who gets custody are incredibly common in family law cases. Whether parents agree on very little or are trying to resolve matters amicably, the court’s central focus remains the same: what arrangement serves the best interests of the child. Oklahoma law gives judges broad discretion to determine custody, and several key factors guide that decision. Here’s a closer look at the 8 primary factors Oklahoma judges consider when deciding who gets custody. 1. The Child’s Relationship with Each Parent Judges evaluate the emotional bond between… Read More

What Is The Process To Get An Adult Guardianship in Tulsa?

Adult Guardianship

Adult guardianship allows a court to appoint another person to make decisions on behalf of an adult who can no longer manage their own affairs due to age, illness, disability, or cognitive decline. In Oklahoma, this legal arrangement is governed by the Oklahoma Guardianship and Conservatorship Act. This article outlines when adult guardianship is necessary, how to begin the process, and what duties the guardian assumes once appointed. When Is Adult Guardianship Necessary? Adult guardianship may be appropriate when a person (called the “ward”) can no longer… Read More

What Are the Different Kinds of Custody Available in Oklahoma

Different Kinds of Custody

Understanding the different kinds of custody can help you make the best decision for your family. When parents separate or divorce in Oklahoma, the issue of child custody becomes a central concern. This isn’t just where the child lives—it also includes the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing. Oklahoma law recognizes several different types of arrangements, and courts focus on what is in the best interests of the child when making these determinations. Understanding Legal and Physical Custody Oklahoma law separates custody into two… Read More

5 Things I Need to Show The Courts to Terminate a Guardianship Over My Kids in Oklahoma

Terminate a Guardianship Over Kids

To terminate a guardianship over kids, there are several things you’ll need to prove to the court. If the court placed your children under a legal guardianship in Oklahoma—whether temporarily or long-term—you may wonder how to regain custody and terminate the arrangement. You must present convincing evidence that supports your ability to resume parenting. Below are the five key things you need to show the court when petitioning to terminate a guardianship. 1. You Resolved the Issues That Led to the Guardianship To terminate a guardianship, you… Read More