The Difference Between Shared and Sole Custody In Oklahoma child custody is like the difference between night and day. Although both expect the parents to cooperate in raising their children both do not contemplate 50/50 physical custody of their children. The world of child custody law, few matters are as significant and emotional as which parent has child custody and what type of child custody orders the court enacts. When parents part ways, decisions about the upbringing of their children often take center stage. In Oklahoma, as in many jurisdictions, the two primary types of custody arrangements are joint custody and sole custody. Although there are other types of custody available these two are by far the most common.
Shared Custody in Oklahoma: Fostering Collaboration
Shared custody, also known as joint custody, involves both parents actively participating in the upbringing of their children. This is a preference under Oklahoma statutes. It’s believed that if the parents can get along raising their children shared custody is considered the best interest of the child. In this arrangement, parents share decision-making responsibilities regarding important aspects of the child’s life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Shared custody emphasizes a cooperation between the two parents in their efforts toward raising their children.
Key Aspects of Shared Custody in Oklahoma:
- Legal Custody: Both parents have the right to make decisions about the child’s upbringing. This includes decisions about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. As you can see shared custody requires that the parents work together to achieve long term goals for raining their children.
- Physical Custody: The child spends significant, often equal, amounts of time living with each parent. This can involve a variety of schedules, such as alternating weeks or weekends, to ensure both parents have regular and meaningful contact with the child. Physical custody arrangements are flexible. The courts will approve any schedule that parents’ can agree on
- Financial Responsibilities: Both parents contribute to the financial support of the child. This may involve the payment of child support by one parent to the other, depending on the respective incomes and expenses of each parent. In Oklahoma the child support guidelines are a great place to start in determining child support payments.
- Flexibility: Shared custody arrangements can be tailored to suit the unique needs and circumstances of each family. For shared parenting to be successful its imperative the parents work together to archive parenting goals.
Sole Custody: Providing Stability
Sole custody is totally different than shared custody. In a sole custody arrangement one parent is solely responsible for the upbringing of the kids. The non-custodial parent still has visitation, but this usually limits to a standard visitation schedule. Under sole custody, it’s the custodial parent that makes decisions for the child’s upbringing without the consent of the non-custodial parent.
Key Aspects of Sole Custody in Oklahoma:
- Legal Custody: The custodial parent has the sole authority to make decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious matters. While with the non-custodial parent that parent has decision making authority this authority doesn’t involve life long decision making authority.
- Physical Custody: The child primarily resides with the custodial parent, often spending the majority of their time in their care. The non-custodial parent typically has scheduled visitation rights. As we mentioned above the visitation schedule usually reflects what’s referred to as standard visitation.
- Child Support: In many cases, the non-custodial parent has a requirement to provide financial support to the custodial parent to help cover the costs of raising the child. The amount of child support is based on various factors, including each parent’s income and the needs of the child.
- Stability: Sole custody arrangements are often when the court deems one parent unfit or when it is determined to be in the best interests of the child to primarily reside with one parent for stability and consistency.
Child Custody Attorneys In Tulsa
In Oklahoma the difference between shared and sole custody is significant. Although they are totally different both custody arrangements aim to achieve the maximum well being of the child. In some cases this involves sole custody while in others its joint custody. As you can see there is not a one size fits all approach to child custody. Rather custody is dependent on the parents and how they relate to each other and their kids. If you’re facing custody decisions, seeking legal guidance and support can help you. This helps you navigate the complex terrain and secure the best possible outcome for your family. For a Free and confidential consultation with a Tulsa Oklahoma child custody attorney call Tulsa Divorce Attorneys and Associates at 539.302.0303