Tulsa courts tend to prefer joint custody, which is when both parents contribute to the lives of their children. However, when parents get along well after they agree to a divorce, courts prefer giving one parent sole physical custody of the children, irrespective of if one or both parents are asking to have the kids.
Sole vs. Joint Custody
Sole custody works as a perfect solution when the parents agree that one parent should have the children. The parents may agree on who gets sole custody of the children because one of them may not live near the primary residence of the children. In such a case, it would not be in the children’s best interests to keep moving them ever so often over long distances.
There are also other considerations, such as schooling. In such a case, it is easy for both parents to agree who gets to keep the children.
Another situation when both parents may prefer that one of them gets sole custody of the children is when the living arrangement of one of the parents is not conducive to raising children. A parent who works late nights or travels often may find that his or her lifestyle will significantly inconvenience the children and may opt not to have physical custody of the children.
When children are toddlers, the parent most likely to get custody of them is the mother. In such a case, a court will grant a mother sole custody of the children irrespective of if the father contests it. Such a decision will be different if the mother is unfit. The court would in such a case grant the father custody of the children, and not a third party.
What is Legal Custody?
When a parent has physical custody of children, he or she determines where the children live and also makes other significant decisions.
However, one parent may have sole physical custody but share legal custody with the other parent. When parents have joint legal custody of their children, the parent who does not have physical custody of the children helps in making critical decisions concerning the children.
With joint legal custody, both parents decide where the children go to school, what doctor treats them, what medical and dental insurance coverage they have, and so on.
Visitation Rights and Custody Orders
When a parent has no custody of their children, they can get court-ordered visitation rights. However, the court can deny a parent visitation rights if that parent is unfit. Court decisions are governed by considering what would be in the best interests of a child.
However, custody orders are not permanent. Circumstances may change, such as small children growing or an unfit parent getting treatment for a drug or other problem. The parent may request a review of the custody order.
If you are in a situation regarding custody of your children, do not go with hearsay or word on the street. Talk to a child custody attorney in Tulsa, OK and get expert advice.
Every child custody situation is unique. Go through your case with the invaluable support of one of the best child support attorneys in Tulsa, OK. Our attorney is experienced and skilled and has handled many child custody cases like yours.
Low-cost Consultations: Tulsa Child Custody Attorney
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