Oklahoma law recognizes two main forms of custody: sole and joint custody. Joint custody is often considered when both parents want to remain actively involved in their child’s upbringing and are willing to cooperate for the child’s best interests.
What Does Joint Custody Mean?
Joint custody means that both parents share in making major decisions for their child. This includes decisions about:
- Education – Where the child goes to school and how educational needs are met.
- Medical Care – Choice of doctors, medical treatments, and healthcare decisions.
- Religious Upbringing – Determining religious practices and participation.
- Major Lifestyle Choices – Such as extracurricular activities or relocation.
Even with this arrangement, the child may primarily live with one parent while visiting the other, but both parents have equal say in major life decisions.
Types of Joint Custody
Oklahoma courts may structure joint arrangements in different ways depending on what works best for the child and the parents’ ability to cooperate.
Legal Custody
Both parents share decision-making responsibilities, but the child may live primarily with one parent.
Physical Custody
The child splits time between both parents’ homes. This does not necessarily mean an exact 50/50 schedule but ensures substantial time with each parent.
When Do Oklahoma Courts Award Joint Custody?
Courts base custody decisions on the best interests of the child. For joint custody to work, parents typically need to:
- Communicate effectively.
- Cooperate on important decisions.
- Provide stable, safe home environments.
If there is evidence of domestic violence, substance abuse, or an inability to communicate, the court may award sole custody to one parent.
Can Custody Arrangements Change?
If circumstances change—such as one parent moving away, conflict making cooperation impossible, or changes in the child’s needs—a parent can request a modification of custody. The court will again review what arrangement is in the child’s best interest.
Tahlequah Child Custody Attorneys
Joint custody in Oklahoma allows parents to work together to make important decisions for their child, ensuring both remain active participants in their upbringing. We understand how important custody decisions are, and our team at Tahlequah Lawyers is here to guide you. Call 539-867-2321 today for a free and confidential consultation with one of our child custody attorneys, or click here to ask your question online.