Can Grandparents Get Emergency Custody in Oklahoma?

Grandparents Get Emergency Custody

If a child is in immediate danger, grandparents may be able to get emergency custody through the courts. In Oklahoma, grandparents play an important role in the lives of many children—and in some cases, they may be the only safe and stable option when a parent is unable or unwilling to care for a child. This article explains the legal grounds, procedures, and limitations for grandparents seeking emergency custody in Oklahoma. What Is Emergency Custody? Emergency custody is a legal remedy that allows someone to ask the… Read More

What is Legal Custody in Oklahoma?

Legal Custody

In Oklahoma, legal custody refers to a parent’s right and responsibility to make important decisions regarding the upbringing of their child. These decisions typically include matters such as education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and general welfare. Legal custody is one of the key components of child custody arrangements in Oklahoma and can significantly impact the rights of both parents in a divorce or separation. Types of Legal Custody in Oklahoma There are generally two types of legal custody in Oklahoma: sole and joint. Joint legal custody doesn’t mean… Read More

What Types of Alimony Can a Court Award in Oklahoma?

Types of Alimony

There are several types of alimony available in Oklahoma divorce cases. The court may award alimony—also called spousal support—to help a financially dependent spouse maintain stability after the marriage ends. Alimony is not automatic, and it’s distinct from child support. Instead, courts consider the specific circumstances of each spouse and determine whether support is necessary, how much to award, and how long it should last. 1. Temporary Alimony (Pendente Lite Support) This is support that a court awards during the divorce process. When one spouse needs financial help to cover living… Read More

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?

Child Custody Hearing

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

Physical Custody in Oklahoma

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