Understanding Father’s Rights In Oklahoma: Legal Guidance From Lai & Turner Law Firm, PLLC

In the past, fathers often faced an uphill battle when trying to assert their rights in family law matters. However, Oklahoma law now recognizes that fathers have equal standing to mothers in areas such as custody, visitation, and child support. At Lai & Turner Law Firm, PLLC, we are committed to helping fathers understand and assert their legal rights to foster meaningful relationships with their children.

If you’re a father in Oklahoma who needs legal assistance, Lai & Turner Law Firm is here for you. Call us today at 405-665-8866 or visit us at 2000 N. Classen Blvd. STE 230, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 to schedule your free discovery call.

Father’s Rights: The Basics

Father’s rights refer to the legal entitlements fathers have regarding their children. These rights allow fathers to:

• Seek custody of their children
• Establish visitation schedules
• Participate in important decision-making about their child’s health, education, and general welfare
• Fight for equal parenting time after separation or divorce

However, unmarried fathers in Oklahoma must establish paternity before they can exercise these rights. Once paternity is legally recognized, fathers have the same legal standing as mothers.

Establishing Paternity: The First Step in Securing Father’s Rights

Before an unmarried father can assert his legal rights, he must first establish paternity. In Oklahoma, this can be done in several ways, including:

1. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity: Both parents sign the AOP, usually at the hospital.
2. Genetic Testing: If paternity is in question, a DNA test can be ordered by the court to confirm biological parentage.
3. Court Decree: A father can file a petition with the court to establish paternity, which may involve DNA testing if there is disagreement.

Once paternity is confirmed, fathers can move forward with seeking custody, visitation, and the legal rights that come with fatherhood.

Custody and Visitation Rights for Fathers in Oklahoma

Oklahoma law treats fathers and mothers equally when it comes to custody and visitation. Courts base their decisions on the best interests of the child, which include the child’s safety, emotional well-being, and the ability to maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents.

Fathers can pursue two types of custody:

• Physical Custody: The parent with whom the child primarily lives.
• Legal Custody: The right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, medical care, and religious matters.

Oklahoma courts typically favor joint custody, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities, unless circumstances such as domestic violence or substance abuse make this arrangement unfeasible.

At Lai & Turner Law Firm, we help fathers build a strong case for custody or shared parenting time, ensuring that they play an active and equal role in their child’s life. Call us at 405-665-8866 to discuss your custody options.

Child Support and Financial Responsibilities

Fatherhood comes with both rights and responsibilities, including the financial support of your child. Once paternity is established, courts will determine child support based on a formula that considers both parents’ income, the needs of the child, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent.

It’s important to note that child support and visitation rights are two separate legal matters. Even if a father is denied visitation, he is still required to pay child support. Similarly, a father paying child support has the legal right to seek visitation or custody.

Our experienced team at Lai & Turner Law Firm will work with you to ensure that child support payments are fair and reflect your financial circumstances. We also assist fathers in modifying child support orders if there has been a significant change in their financial situation.

Father’s Rights in Adoption and Relocation Cases

In addition to custody and support matters, fathers also have rights in cases involving adoption and relocation. If the mother of your child plans to place the child for adoption, you have the right to contest the adoption. Additionally, if the mother plans to relocate with the child, you may challenge the relocation if it interferes with your visitation rights.

At Lai & Turner Law Firm, we are well-versed in these complex legal matters and are here to protect your rights as a father.

Call Lai & Turner Law Firm to Protect Your Rights as a Father

Being a father is one of the most important roles a man can have, and the legal system is here to ensure that you have the opportunity to play an active part in your child’s life. Whether you’re seeking custody, visitation, or support, the team at Lai & Turner Law Firm, PLLC, is here to help. Our experienced attorneys are known for their commitment to protecting fathers’ rights and securing positive outcomes for our clients.

Contact us today at 405-665-8866 to schedule your free discovery call, or fill out our online form for immediate assistance. Let Lai & Turner Law Firm help you assert your rights as a father and build a brighter future for you and your child.

Father’s Rights