Do I Have Custody Rights of Adopted Stepchildren in a Divorce in Oklahoma?

Adopted Stepchildren Custody

Many wonder if they can get custody of adopted stepchildren in an Oklahoma divorce. Divorce is a complex and emotional process, particularly when it involves children. However, when it comes to adopted stepchildren, questions about custody rights can become even more complicated. Understanding your legal standing and custody rights regarding adopted stepchildren in Oklahoma can help you navigate this challenging situation. Adoption and Parental Rights When you legally adopt your stepchild, you assume all the rights and responsibilities of a biological parent. This includes the obligation to… Read More

Can I Deny Visitation Because of Overnight Guests?

What is a DHS ISP

If you’re wanting to deny visitation because of overnight guests, the process can be complex but isn’t impossible. Visitation rights ensure that children maintain strong and healthy relationships with both parents, even after a paternity case, divorce or separation. However, disputes often arise when one parent is concerned about the other parent’s behavior during visitation, particularly regarding overnight guests. In Oklahoma, the answer depends on various factors, including the circumstances of the case and best interests of the child. Understanding Visitation Rights in Oklahoma In Oklahoma, the… Read More

How Does Reunification Therapy Work In a Custody Case in Oklahoma

Reunification Therapy

Reunification therapy is a specialized form of therapy aimed at rebuilding and improving the relationship between a parent and child, particularly after a separation, divorce, or a period of estrangement. In Oklahoma, this type of therapy can play a crucial role in custody cases where there has been significant conflict, alienation, or lack of contact between a parent and child. What is Reunification Therapy? Reunification therapy focuses on addressing the emotional and psychological barriers that have led to a breakdown in the parent-child relationship. The primary goals… Read More

How Long Is A Protective Order Against An Abusive Partner in Oklahoma?

How Long Is A Protective Order

Understanding how long a protective order is good for can be crucial to safety. In Oklahoma, protective orders—also known as restraining orders—serve as a critical legal tool for individuals seeking to protect themselves from domestic abuse. These orders can provide a sense of security and necessary legal boundaries to safeguard victims. Types of Protective Orders in Oklahoma Oklahoma law provides several types of protective orders depending on the nature of the threat and the relationship between the parties involved. The three primary types are: Emergency Protective Orders… Read More

How Do I Handle The Home Mortgage After Divorce in Oklahoma

Mortgage After Divorce

Understanding how to handle a mortgage after a divorce can be confusing. Divorce often brings significant financial challenges, particularly when it comes to handling joint debts like a home mortgage. In Oklahoma, there are several ways to address the issue of a shared mortgage during and after a divorce. Understanding your options and the legal implications can help you make informed decisions and protect your financial future. Assessing the Situation First and foremost, you and your spouse need to assess the situation regarding your home and mortgage…. Read More

How Do I Keep My Pets in a Divorce?

Pets in a Divorce

Pets in a divorce is important to many people going through this process. For many couples, pets are part of the family, and deciding who keeps them can be a deeply emotional issue. While owners often treat pets as family, the law generally considers them to be personal property. Although this may seem outlandish, it can make dividing them up more simple in comparison to children. Understanding how pet ownership is handled in an Oklahoma divorce can help you navigate this difficult situation. Pets as Property in… Read More

How are Active Efforts Determined in Tribal Court Adoption Cases?

Active Efforts

Understanding how “active efforts” are determined is crucial in the context of tribal adoptions, especially under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Under this law, the state must demonstrate efforts to prevent the breakup of the Native American family, as well as that those efforts were unsuccessful before the adoption of a child into a family outside of their tribe. What Are Active Efforts? These requirements are intensive, and purposeful actions that social services or child welfare agencies must undertake to support the reunification of a family… Read More

What If My Spouse Doesn’t Follow An Agreed Mediation Order in Tulsa

Follow An Agreed Mediation Order

Issues can arise if one spouse does not follow an agreed mediation order. Mediation is a common method to resolve disputes amicably during divorce or custody proceedings. When both parties reach an agreement through mediation, it is typically formalized into a mediation order by the court. Understanding your legal options and the steps you can take to enforce the agreement is crucial. Importance of the Mediation Order First and foremost, a mediation order is a legally binding document once it is approved by the court. This means… Read More

Do I Have to Return Gifts I Received During the Marriage After a Divorce?

Returning Gifts Received During Marriage

During a divorce, many have questions about returning gifts received during marriage. Divorce can be a complex and emotional process, often involving difficult decisions about the division of property, assets, and debts. Understanding how Oklahoma law treats gifts in the context of divorce can help clarify this issue. Understanding Marital vs. Separate Property Oklahoma follows the principle of “equitable distribution” when it comes to dividing property during a divorce. This means that the court seeks to divide marital property in a way that is fair, but not… Read More

Can A Parent Have Joint Legal Custody While Incarcerated in Oklahoma?

Joint Legal Custody While Incarcerated

Some wonder whether a parent can have joint legal custody while incarcerated. In Oklahoma, custody arrangements aim to prioritize the best interests of the child, ensuring their welfare and stability. Here, we’ll explore the concept of joint legal custody while a parent is incarcerated in Oklahoma, including legal considerations, potential outcomes, and the steps involved in such cases. Overview of Joint Legal Custody Joint legal custody refers to a situation where both parents share the rights and responsibilities to make important decisions about their child’s upbringing. These… Read More