Sat. May 11th, 2024
Law

Unmarried Parents in Oklahoma: What You Need to Know About Joint Custody Laws

In Oklahoma, unmarried parents have the same custody rights as married parents. However, there are some important distinctions to be aware of when it comes to Oklahoma custody laws unmarried parents.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that the father and mother do not have equal rights when it comes to child custody in Oklahoma. The law favors the mother over the father when it comes to awarding child custody. This is because mothers are typically seen as being more nurturing and better equipped to care for their children than fathers.

However, this does not mean that fathers will never be able to win custody of their children in Oklahoma. If the father can prove that he is a fit parent and that awarding him custody would be in the best interests of the child, then he may be able to successfully obtain primary or joint physical Custody of his child (ren).

It should also be noted that if both parents are unfit or unable to care for their children (due to drug abuse, mental illness, etc.), then Child Protective Services may become involved and take legal action on behalf of the children. In these cases, CPS will work with both parents (if possible) to try and create a safe and stable home environment for the children involved.

How Joint Custody Laws in Oklahoma Work for You

If you’re an unmarried parent in Oklahoma, you may be wondering how the state’s custody laws work. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know.

Oklahoma law requires that unmarried parents who have minor children must have a written parenting plan approved by the court before they can be awarded joint custody. The parenting plan must address issues such as legal and physical custody, visitation, child support, and health insurance.

Under Oklahoma law, joint legal custody means that both parents have equal rights and responsibilities for making decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Joint physical custody means that the child will spend approximately equal time with each parent.

In order to make joint custody work, it’s important that both parents are able to communicate and cooperate with each other. If there are significant disagreements between the parents, joint custody may not be possible.

How to choose Joint Custody Laws in Oklahoma Work for You

When it comes to choosing joint custody laws in Oklahoma, there are a few things you need to take into account. First and foremost, what type of relationship do you have with the child’s other parent? If you’re on good terms and can communicate well, then joint custody is definitely something you should consider. However, if there isn’t much communication or trust between the two of you, it might not be the best option.

Another thing to think about is what’s best for the child. If both parents are equally involved in their life and they’re doing well academically and socially, then joint custody could work out perfectly. However, if one parent is significantly more involved than the other or if there are some issues going on at home (such as drug use), then sole custody might be a better option.