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Types of Child Custody in Oklahoma

If you choose to get a divorce and have children, you will need to develop a parenting plan, which means that you will need to adhere to one of the four types of child custody recognized by the state of Oklahoma. The type of custody that becomes part of your agreement is extremely important to your future and your ability to be involved in your child’s life, so it’s important that you know the differences between them in order to make the best possible decisions throughout your case.

Let’s take a closer look at the four types of child custody now.

Sole custody

This is the term the courts use for when they grant one parent full control of a child in either legal or physical terms (more on that later). While it used to be that parents who were deemed unfit would be cut out and the parent who the court deemed more fit would have unquestioned control over the child, today courts are much more hesitant to award sole custody. It’s far more likely that the courts will see to find a solution that will keep both parents involved in their child’s lives.

Joint Custody

Joint custody awards are far more common in today’s family law system. This essentially means that both parents share the responsibilities of raising their child in either a legal or physical sense. This way both parents are allowed to stay involved in each child’s life, and both can contribute positively to their upbringing rather than excluding one parent from being involved at all.

Physical Custody

Physical custody is essentially the term for who a child will live with. If a court awards joint physical custody, then the child will likely spend a somewhat-equal amount of time with both parents, including over weekends and holidays. This is the most common physical custody arrangement. Those with sole physical custody will have the child live with them the vast majority of the time, and the other parent will be granted visitation rights based on the court’s discretion.

Legal Custody

Legal custody is the ability to make critical decisions on a child’s upbringing, such as where they go to school, how they receive medical treatment, what they will be permitted to do on school nights, and more. It’s very uncommon for sole legal custody to be awarded except when one spouse is clearly unfit to make decisions as a parent, such as those who struggle with drugs or alcoholism, or have a history of abusive behavior. For the most part, courts do everything in their power to ensure that both parents have a say in how their child is raised to give them the best possible chance at a normal and positive childhood.

If you need assistance with the divorce process, call the Oklahoma City family law attorneys at the Mazaheri Law Firm. Our compassionate, client-centered approach places your best possible outcome at the forefront of all our legal decisions, and we fight to help you navigate your case while minimizing the stress and difficulty you face. Since 2009, we have offered high-quality legal services to a diverse range of clients from all around the world. We believe in close, personalized attention, and we get to know you personally and learn the extent to which it impacts your life in order to handle your case with the utmost tact and professionalism.

Retain a skilled attorney for your family law matter today! Call Mazaheri Law Firm at 405.404.2222 to schedule your initial consultation.