Child Custody

Oklahoma City Child Custody Lawyers

When it comes to matters of child custody in Oklahoma, having a skilled and compassionate legal team on your side is crucial. At Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC, we are your trusted Child Custody Lawyers in Oklahoma, dedicated to protecting the best interests of your children.

How Does Child Custody Work in an Oklahoma Divorce?

In an Oklahoma divorce, child custody refers to the legal and physical responsibility of caring for and making decisions for a child. Child custody can be one of the most contentious aspects of a divorce, and having experienced child custody lawyers by your side is essential.

Attorney Eric Strocen, our Director of Family Law, and Attorney Mick McCarthy work directly with parents to protect their rights and fight for custody arrangements that prioritize children’s wellbeing. Our knowledgeable attorneys will guide you through the legal process, checking that your rights as a parent are protected and that the best interests of your children are prioritized.

What About Custody of Children from Unwed Parents?

Custody disputes can also arise between unwed parents. In such cases, establishing legal paternity is crucial to determine parental rights and responsibilities. Our dedicated child custody lawyers in Oklahoma City can help you through the legal process and protect your rights as a parent.

What Kinds of Custody Are There?

There are different types of child custody arrangements that can be established:

Physical Custody

Physical custody refers to where the child primarily resides. It can be sole physical custody, where the child lives with one parent, or joint physical custody, where the child splits their time between both parents.

Legal Custody

Legal custody refers to the authority to make important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. It can be sole legal custody, where one parent has the authority, or joint legal custody, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities.

How Does a Court Decide Custody?

When parents cannot reach an agreement on child custody, the court will step in to make a determination based on the best interests of the child. The court will consider various factors, including the child’s age, their relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.

Our skilled child custody lawyers in Oklahoma will advocate for your rights and present compelling arguments to the court to support your desired custody arrangement.

Can a Child Make Their Own Custody Decisions?

In Oklahoma, the court may consider the preferences of older children when making custody decisions. The court will take into account the child’s maturity level and ability to make informed decisions. However, the final determination will always be based on the best interests of the child.

Contact Child Custody Lawyers in Oklahoma City

If you are seeking experienced and compassionate child custody lawyers in Oklahoma City, look no further than Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC. Contact us today at 405-251-6572 to schedule a consultation and discuss your child custody case.

Our dedicated attorneys will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide you with the professional legal representation you need. We understand the importance of protecting your parental rights and prioritizing the well-being of your children. Trust Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC to guide you through the steps of child custody cases and fight for the best interests of your children.

Child Custody Solutions That Work

If you have a child and are separating or divorcing, or if you have already been through this and the child’s other parent isn’t complying with the court’s orders, our reputable Oklahoma City, OK child custody lawyer can fight for your child to receive the emotional and financial support they need and are entitled to. The skilled and compassionate team at Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC is dedicated to defending the rights of children fighting for their well-being. We have been successfully defending the rights of children and parents in Oklahoma City since 2022. We are different from other law firms because we take pride in upholding our mission to make sure clients are heard and that our lines of communication with them are transparent and clear. We take the time to get to know your whole story so that we can best represent you and your child’s rights. Contact us today to find out how we may be able to help you.

Get Help From A Child Custody Lawyer

Divorces, separations, court evaluations, and having to go to court for a judge to make huge decisions about your and your child’s future, are all difficult things for families to go through. Even the most amicable separations can get tense and heated when it comes to making decisions about when your child will live with you, who gets the child on holidays and birthdays, who will pay for different aspects of the child’s life, the other parent’s religion, and so on. If you have or are anticipating having child custody issues with your child’s other parent, an experienced Oklahoma City child custody lawyer can help to make sure that the custody agreement for the child will be good for them from a financial and emotional standpoint.

Custody Arrangements

Custody arrangements are typically made when a couple is separating or divorcing, or if the paternity of a child whose parents were never married has been established and one or both of the biological parents are seeking custody, visitation rights, or financial support.

Types Of Custody

There are two types of custody in Oklahoma, physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody is the time that each parent is physically with their child. Who has physical custody, or a majority of a joint custody arrangement, will typically determine which parent pays financial support to the other parent. When a parent has legal custody, even if they do not have physical custody, the parent is responsible or partially responsible for decisions pertaining to the child’s education, healthcare, religion, discipline, household rules, lifestyle, etc. Many people recommend that you have a good custody dispute lawyer on your side when you have to plan for the custody of your child because a lawyer who is experienced with successfully defending the rights of parents and their children can help you get what is right for you and your child.

The sooner you find a good Oklahoma City child custody lawyer who will work with and support you every step of the way, the sooner they will be able to start protecting your child’s and your rights. For a highly recommended and skilled custody dispute lawyer, contact the compassionate team at Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC today.

Common Reasons For Needing A Child Custody Lawyer

At Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC, we understand how deeply personal and important child custody matters are. When your relationship with your child is on the line, it’s critical to have trusted legal guidance. We founded our firm in 2022 with the core values of truth, justice, respect, and empathy—principles that drive how we serve families every day. If you are in need of an Oklahoma City, OK child custody lawyer, we have helped clients make confident decisions during some of the most difficult times in their lives. We also offer free case evaluations to help you understand your options before moving forward.

• Disputes Over Primary Custody
  When parents disagree on who the child should primarily live with, things can escalate quickly. Whether you are seeking sole custody or joint arrangements, legal representation helps protect your parental rights and present your case clearly to the court.
• Concerns About Safety or Abuse
  If there are concerns about physical or emotional abuse in the home, involving the court as soon as possible is critical. We’ve worked with parents who needed to act quickly to protect their children. Our Oklahoma City child custody lawyer can help pursue emergency custody orders when needed.
• Relocation After Divorce or Separation
  If you or your ex is planning to move to another state and this is going to change your existing child custody agreement, this often needs to be lodged with the courts.  A custody agreement may need to be modified or defended in court, depending on your situation and the potential impact on the child.
• Noncompliance With Existing Orders
  Sometimes, one parent repeatedly fails to follow the custody or visitation schedule. Whether it’s missed visits or returning the child late, consistent violations may require court intervention to enforce or revise the custody arrangement.
• Concerns About Parental Fitness
  When questions arise regarding a parent’s ability to provide a safe and stable environment—due to substance use, criminal activity, or instability—it’s often necessary to seek legal support to modify custody or supervise visitation.
• Parental Alienation Issues
  n some cases, one parent may attempt to damage the child’s relationship with the other parent. These behaviors can be harmful and may influence custody decisions. A lawyer can help you document and respond to this behavior effectively.
• Child’s Preferences as They Grow Older
  As children mature, their preferences might carry more weight in court. A judge may consider a child’s input, depending on their age and maturity. Legal guidance helps parents evaluate how and when to introduce this into the case.
• Custody Involving Non-Parents
  Grandparents, stepparents, or other relatives sometimes step in to care for children when biological parents are unable. Securing legal custody in these cases often requires professional help to meet the legal standards and requirements.
• Modifying Custody Agreements
  Life circumstances change. Whether it’s a new job, health issues, or remarriage, a custody agreement may need to be updated. A family lawyer can help determine whether a modification is appropriate and represent your position in court.
• Disputes Over Legal Decision-Making
  Sometimes, parents share physical custody but cannot agree on education, healthcare, or religious matters. When parents cannot work these issues out on their own, the courts may need to step in, especially if these issues being to negatively affect the child’s well-being or their relationship with one or both parents.

Talk To A Lawyer You Can Trust

At Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. Whether you’re starting a custody case or responding to one, it’s important to have support from a team who understands your priorities. If you are looking for the help of an experienced Oklahoma City child custody lawyer, we are here to walk you through your options and protect your rights every step of the way. We offer free case evaluations and are always ready to listen. Reach out to our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Oklahoma City Child Custody FAQs

Every parent wants what is best for their child but unfortunately co-parents do not always agree on what is “best”. And when it comes to child custody matters, parents often have a lot of questions—and for good reason. These decisions affect your children, your rights, and your future. At Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC, we help clients across Oklahoma understand and take action in custody cases. As an Oklahoma City, OK child custody lawyer team, we’re here to provide clear and reliable answers. We offer 24/7 live answering, and our firm has earned hundreds of five-star reviews for our service and dedication. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from clients just like you.

Can A Father Win Full Custody With A Lawyer?

Yes, fathers can win full custody with legal representation, but it depends on several factors. Courts in Oklahoma focus on the child’s best interests, not the gender of the parent. If a father can show that he provides a more stable, safe, and supportive environment, the court may award him full custody. Documentation of parenting involvement, evidence of a healthy home environment, and consistent behavior all matter. Having a lawyer can help gather and present this information clearly. Working with an Oklahoma City child custody lawyer may improve your chances of building a strong case.

Do I Need A Lawyer To File For Child Custody?

Technically, you are allowed to file for child custody without a lawyer, but doing so can be risky. Custody cases often involve legal standards, procedural requirements, and sensitive information. A small mistake can delay your case or hurt your position. Having a lawyer means someone is looking out for your rights and helping you stay focused on the legal process, not just the emotional side. Even in situations where both parents agree, legal guidance can help make sure the agreement is enforceable and clear.

If A Father Is Not The Biological Father Of A Child In Oklahoma, Can He Get Partial Custody?

Yes, in some circumstances, a non-biological father in Oklahoma may be able to get partial custody, but only under certain legal conditions. If paternity hasn’t been established, the first step is to gain legal recognition—either through an Acknowledgment of Paternity or a court order. Once recognized as the legal father, you can petition for custody or visitation. In some cases, non-biological caregivers like stepfathers may also seek rights if they can prove a strong, ongoing bond and that involvement is in the child’s best interest. Courts always prioritize the child’s welfare when making these decisions.

When custody becomes contested, legal guidance can make a big difference. A lawyer can help you collect important documents, identify witnesses, and prepare for court hearings. They also know how to communicate with the other party’s legal team, keeping the process focused and organized. A lawyer works to protect your parental rights while also prioritizing the best interests of your child. Whether your case involves joint custody, sole custody, or modifications, an Oklahoma City, child custody lawyer can help you prepare and respond more effectively throughout the dispute.

Do I Have To Pay Child Support In Oklahoma If I Have 50/50 Custody?

Yes, even with equal custody, child support may still apply. Oklahoma uses an income-based formula to determine each parent’s financial responsibility. If one parent earns significantly more than the other, the court might require that parent to contribute financially, even if parenting time is split evenly. The goal is to make sure the child receives the same level of support and care in both households. It’s important to understand how income, expenses, and custody arrangements all factor into child support decisions.

Can A Parent With A Domestic Violence Charge Get Custody Of Their Child In Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, a domestic violence charge significantly impacts child custody. The courts take domestic violence charges very seriously. The court prioritizes the child’s best interest, and a rebuttable presumption exists that it’s not in the child’s best interest to grant custody or unsupervised visitation to the abusive parent. If you have been charged or convicted of domestic violence and are trying to get or maintain custody of your child, it is helpful to have a good domestic violence defense lawyer on your side who is also skilled with family law matters, to create a good strategy to help you do this.

Talk To Us About Your Custody Questions

Child custody cases can affect nearly every part of your life—and your child’s. That’s why we approach every case with focus, experience, and care. At Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC, we’re proud to support families across Oklahoma through challenging legal situations. Whether you’re starting a custody case or seeking to change an existing agreement, our team is here to help. As a trusted Oklahoma City, child custody lawyer team, we are available 24/7 and backed by hundreds of five-star reviews. Contact us today to discuss how we can support you and your family moving forward.