Statistics show that, in America, approximately 80% of custodial parents are mothers. This doesn’t mean that the court favors them. In fact, over 90% of child custody cases are resolved outside court, where both parents have control of the outcome. So, if you are going through a divorce in Oklahoma, your custody case may significantly depend on what you want for your child. Still, the court might also need to look into the unique circumstances of your marriage.
Understanding child custody cases in Oklahoma
Child custody in Oklahoma can be broadly grouped into legal and physical. Legal custody is the right to make decisions about your child’s upbringing, such as their education, religion and medical care. Physical custody is where the child lives most of the time. In some cases, one parent has sole legal or physical custody, but it’s more common for both parents to share these responsibilities.
The court will always prioritize what is in the child’s best interests when deciding on custody. To do this, they will look at various factors such as:
– The relationship between each parent and the child
– Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment
– The child’s preference (if they are old enough to express one)
– The child’s relationship with siblings and other family members
– The distance between the homes of each parent
Parents can also control the custody decision in Oklahoma divorce
The court will likely approve your plan if you and your spouse can agree on custody arrangements. This is called a “stipulation.” If you have no issues like a history of abuse and neglect and can put the interest of the child above your own, this method may be best for you and your family. You will have more control over the outcome and can create a custody arrangement that works best for everyone involved after your divorce.
In addition, you can deal with the matter much faster because if the court were to decide for you, they would first hire someone to assess your family dynamics. This process is not only time-consuming, but it can also be expensive.
If you are going through a divorce in Oklahoma, it’s important to understand your custody options and what the court will consider when making a decision. With this knowledge, you can make the best choices for your child and family.