Child Custody, Visitation and Support

The issues surrounding children are among the most important issues for divorcing parents. In determining issues related to children the court looks at the "best interest of the child" to determine who should make the decisions and how much time each parent should have with their child(ren).

Oklahoma law says that each parent should have "substantially equal access" to the minor child(ren), at least initially. If equal access is requested by one parent, the parent not in agreement must show the court why equal access is harmful to the child(ren).

In determining the best custody arrangement for the child(ren), the court will consider who is presently the primary caretaker of the child(ren) and who is physically and morally fit to take care of the child(ren). If parties are truly disputing this issue, expert witnesses are utilized to interview and test parents and the child(ren) to report who is best equipped to have custody of the child(ren).