Keep Your Child’s Best Interests At Heart
When it comes to child custody, both parents want what’s best for their child. However, they can’t always agree on what that is. Oklahoma child custody cases don’t have to end in sole custody for one parent. It’s not uncommon for the parents to share joint custody. Family law is one of the most sensitive areas of law. As such, it must be handled delicately. Emotions can easily take the reigns when your child is involved. With the help of Grady County child custody attorneys at Wirth Law Office, you can rise above those emotions to focus on your child’s best interests.
It’s difficult to establish a stable home life for your child when your family has been divided by a breakup or divorce. Grady County child custody laws are designed to protect your child and create the best situation for them. There are two main types of child custody: joint and sole. Sole custody is when one parent has full custody of the child. Joint custody is when both parents share custody of the child. However, joint custody does not necessarily mean that both parents get equal time with their child. One parent may still be the primary caregiver, which means they have the final say on medical, educational, and religious decisions for the child.
What is Involved with Custody?
Child custody is not just which parent, if any, sees their child most. It includes visitation schedules, residence, holidays, vacations, and the role of the extended family. It even ties into child support. One of the things that custody decides is where the child will primarily live. It would be difficult and inconvenient for the child to switch between their parents’ houses every day. For that reason, the switch is often bi-weekly, on weekends, or on special occasions. The child’s primary residence will likely be based on the parent’s schedule and living conditions, including the location, condition, and size of the residence.
If one parent has primary custody, they might come up with a visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent to see the child. For joint custody, trips such as vacations require approval ahead of time. Another factor to consider is the role of the extended family, especially grandparents. Even if the mother has sole custody of the child, the parents of the father may still have the right to see the child.
Before the court officially determines child custody, they will issue a temporary custody order. While the court deliberates, they will take into consideration the behavior of both parents. Reckless behavior such as drinking and doing drugs will count against you, while behaving appropriately around your child will work in your favor. It’s always best if you participate in the court proceedings, even when you have representation from a Grady County child custody attorney. Failure to show up could count against you in the final outcome.
Making Modifications to Child Custody
Oklahoma laws for child custody allow for modifications if your circumstances change to the point that they affect your current custody agreement. Some changes that might require the agreement to be modified are housing, financial, and work changes. If you move, experience financial hardship, or change jobs, your child custody might need modification. It’s best to have a child custody lawyer to advocate for you. At Wirth Law Office, our Grady County child custody attorneys have plenty of experience dealing with Oklahoma child custody laws. We know the best way to approach a modification, so you don’t have to worry.
You may think that your child custody proceedings will be quick and simple because you and your child’s other parent agree on the conditions. However, difficulties may arise, arguments may ensue, and you may end up spending much more time in court than you had hoped. The same is true of modifications. Just because you already have an agreement in place doesn’t mean it will be easier to change than it was to create. When you attempt to handle child custody without legal representation, you risk an undesirable outcome. To increase your chances of an outcome that is best for you and your child, choose an attorney from Wirth Law Office to represent you.
Low-cost Consultation with Grady County Child Custody Attorney
You can talk to a qualified attorney from Wirth Law Office – Chickasha about your child custody situation today. Let us help you get a result that benefits you and your child. Call us at (405) 272-4100 or fill out the form at the top of this page.