Protecting Your Child’s Best Interests
As a parent, you like to think you know what’s best for your child. Unfortunately, both parents may not agree on that. While you have your child’s best interests at heart, we at Wirth Law Office – Nowata want to protect them. Oklahoma child custody cases can end in either joint custody or sole custody.
No matter what outcome you hope for, you should have a skilled and compassionate child custody lawyer on your side. Family law must be handled delicately because there are so many emotions involved. To avoid the risk of being overcome by such emotions, choose a Nowata child custody attorney to work with you.
Following a breakup or divorce, your child’s life gets complicated. They may feel guilty and blame themselves. They may just be confused and unsure that you still love them. While your child may gravitate toward one parent over the other, it’s not their decision to make. You want to ensure that your child knows you still love them and care for them.
When you file for custody, there are two options. When one parent has full custody of their child, that is sole custody. When both parents share custody of their child, that is joint custody. Joint custody can go many ways. It doesn’t always mean equal time with each parent. If one parent is designated the primary caregiver, they will get the last word on any educational, religious, and medical decisions for their child.
Agree to Disagree
It’s never safe to assume that your child custody case will be decided quickly and smoothly. You may think that you agree with your child’s other parent on the conditions, but one of you might change your mind. If this happens, it can lead to arguments and obstacles that may significantly prolong the process.
Even if you already have an agreement, and you’re making modifications, that could be just as difficult. Don’t risk an outcome that you’re not happy with. Don’t risk your child settling for less than what’s best. Seek legal counsel from the child custody attorneys at Nowata’s Wirth Law Office.
How Does Custody Work?
Contrary to popular belief, child custody is not as simple as how often a parent sees their child. It also deals with holidays, vacations, visitation schedules, child support, where they live, and how extended family is involved. Custody decides the child’s primary residence.
Since it would be unreasonable for the child to move between houses daily, custody often establishes a bi-weekly or weekend swap. Where the child lives most of the time is determined based on factors such as the parent’s living conditions and schedule. The location, size, and state of the residence are all considered.
In the case of joint custody, one parent may be given primary custody. While not the same as sole custody, it means they get to spend more time with the child than the other parent. The parent without primary custody is known as the non-custodial parent. They are entitled to visitation rights, which can be worked out with the parent who has primary custody.
Joint custody also requires that vacations and other trips be approved in advance. While child custody is between the parents, grandparents and other extended family may have the right to spend time with the child.
A temporary custody order is issued while the court deliberates on the official child custody order. In making their final decision, they will factor in the parents’ behavior both with and away from their child. Inappropriate behavior like excessive drinking, partaking in drugs, and lashing out at their child will be counted against them.
On the other hand, spending quality time with their child and making an effort will be counted in their favor. While it’s important to have representation from an experienced Nowata child custody attorney, you should still be involved in the court proceedings. It will be a point in your favor.
Child Custody Modifications
Your child custody order is not written in stone. If you didn’t get the outcome you hoped for, it’s not too late. Oklahoma law allows for modifications when there is a change in circumstances that affects the current agreement.
These changes could be related to work, housing, and finances. If your job or residence changes or you experience a decrease in income, it may be best to modify your child custody order. The Nowata child custody attorneys at Wirth Law Office know how to handle modifications so you get the best possible income.
Free Consultation with a Nowata Child Custody Attorney
You don’t want a long, drawn-out custody battle. You want a quick resolution that benefits you and your child. Luckily, the Nowata child custody attorneys at Wirth Law Office can help make that happen. For a free consultation, call (918) 932-2872 or fill out the form at the top of this page.