Oklahoma City Child Custody Attorney
Child custody issues can be one of the most stressful parts of any family law matter, especially when your child's future and stability are at stake. Our law office provides practical legal counsel and strong advocacy to help parents navigate this difficult legal journey with confidence.
“The absolute best! Zayne and Rita made everything easy and seamless. Working with Zayne saved time, money and stress! Forever thankful for their lasting impact on my and my family’s life.”
What You Should Know About Child Custody in Oklahoma
Under Oklahoma law (43 O.S. § 43-112), custody and visitation rights are legally recognized and courts may grant joint or sole custody based on the child’s best interests. Child custody is typically broken into two separate rights: legal custody and physical custody.
- Legal custody grants a parent (alone or jointly) the right to make major decisions about the child’s life, including education, medical care, and religious upbringing.
- Physical custody determines with whom the child lives and how time is divided between the parents.
These rights can be shared (joint legal or joint physical custody) or awarded solely to one parent, depending on what the court finds serves the child’s best interests.
Types of Child Custody in Oklahoma
Depending on your family’s situation, Oklahoma courts may order:
- Joint Legal Custody & Joint Physical Custody: Both parents share decision-making and substantial parenting time.
- Joint Legal Custody & Sole Physical Custody: Both parents share decision-making, but the child resides primarily with one parent while the other may have visitation or parenting time.
- Sole Legal Custody & Sole Physical Custody: One parent has both decision-making authority and primary physical residence.
- Sole Legal Custody & Joint/Shared Physical Custody: One parent makes major decisions, and both parents share living time (less common but possible).
In joint custody cases the court may also determine a primary and final-decision maker.
Any custody order will typically include a detailed parenting/visitation schedule, defining weekends, holidays, school breaks, and hand-offs, and sometimes provisions for modifications if circumstances change.
.avif)
How Custody is Determined in Oklahoma
When parents cannot agree on custody terms, Oklahoma courts decide what arrangement serves the “best interests of the child”.
In doing so, judges consider multiple factors, including but not limited to:
- The child’s emotional and physical needs
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, safe home
- The relationship between each parent and the child
- The mental and physical health of all parties involved
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
- The willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
Because every case is unique, having experienced representation can make a significant difference. Our team reviews all relevant facts and develops a strategy to protect your parental rights while prioritizing your child’s well-being.
When Custody Disputes Involve Modifications or Enforcement
Life is constantly changing, so custody orders may need to be revisited. Whether there’s a relocation, change in work schedule, or concerns about the child’s welfare, you may request modifications to custody or visitation orders. If the other parent fails to comply, we can help you enforce the existing order through the courts.
We also assist with associated issues such as child support, visitation schedules, and co-parenting plans to ensure all aspects of your family law matters are handled thoroughly and consistently.
Why Choose Whitchurch & Associates, PLLC for Your Custody Case
.svg)
You Work Directly with Your Attorney
We don’t hand off cases — you get personal, consistent representation with clear communication.
.svg)
In-Depth Knowledge of Oklahoma Law and Local Courts
We understand how family courts in Oklahoma County and neighboring counties approach custody cases.
.svg)
Transparent and Flexible Legal Services
We discuss fees and expectations up front, with no hidden costs or surprises.
.svg)
Balanced, Child-Focused Advocacy
Whether your case is amicable or contested, we fight for a custody arrangement that protects your child’s best interests and your parental rights.
.svg)
Comprehensive Family Law Services
We handle related matters such as child support, spousal support, divorce, legal separation, and property division — giving you a one-stop resource for your family’s legal needs.
.avif)
.avif)
What Our Clients Say
About Us
Supporting Families Across Central and
Southwestern Oklahoma
From our office in Oklahoma City, Whitchurch & Associates, PLLC assists parents with child custody matters throughout Oklahoma County and neighboring regions, including Cleveland, Canadian, and Logan Counties. Our family law attorney is familiar with the local courts and understands how custody decisions are handled in these communities.
We also represent parents in southwestern Oklahoma, regularly traveling to areas such as Comanche, Grady, and Washita Counties to help families secure stable and child-focused arrangements.
Wherever you need legal support across central or southwestern Oklahoma, our firm is here to stand with you.
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Take Control of Your Custody Case
Complete this form to schedule your consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain how Oklahoma family laws apply, and outline a strategy tailored to your family’s needs.
You’ll receive clear information about the fee structure, timeline, and what to expect next, giving you confidence and clarity during this critical time.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the biggest mistakes is behaving in a way that appears uncooperative or unwilling to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Judges look closely at each parent’s ability to communicate, co-parent, and put the child’s best interests first. Poor communication, hostile messages, social media outbursts, or refusal of reasonable parenting time can seriously damage a case.
Oklahoma has strengthened protections for unmarried fathers by making it easier to establish paternity and secure parental rights once paternity is legally confirmed. While laws change over time, the core principle remains the same: once paternity is established — either through acknowledgment or court order — fathers have equal rights to pursue custody, visitation, and involvement in their child’s life.
50/50 custody is common in Oklahoma, but it is not automatic. Courts will approve equal parenting time when both parents can communicate effectively, live reasonably close to each other, and demonstrate that shared custody supports the child’s best interests. If parents cannot cooperate or the arrangement would disrupt the child’s stability, the court may choose a different schedule.
Behaviors that can negatively impact a custody case include:
- Interfering with the other parent’s visitation
- Refusing to communicate or co-parent
- Angry or inappropriate messages
- Substance abuse or reckless behavior
- Unstable housing or inconsistent caregiving
- Violating court orders
Courts want to see reliability, cooperation, and a child-focused mindset.
A parent may be considered unfit if their behavior places the child’s safety or well-being at risk. This can include substance abuse, neglect, physical or emotional abuse, domestic violence, criminal activity, untreated mental-health issues, or failure to provide a stable home. The standard is high, and there must be clear evidence that the child is not safe or is not being adequately cared for.
Yes. Once paternity is legally established, fathers in Oklahoma have the same rights as mothers to seek custody, visitation, and decision-making authority. Oklahoma law does not favor mothers over fathers; courts focus on the child’s best interests and each parent's ability to provide a stable, supportive environment.
Not without a court order. If visitation has been granted, the mother cannot unilaterally deny parenting time unless there is an immediate safety concern. If she does, the father may seek enforcement through the court by filing a Motion for Enforcement under 43 O.S. § 111.3. If there is no custody order in place yet, either parent can petition the court to establish one to prevent future disputes.
Your Case Deserves Personal Attention
We don’t hand cases off or disappear once you sign. From the first consultation to resolution, our team keeps you informed and involved every step of the way.
We don’t hand cases off or disappear once you sign. From the first consultation to resolution, our team keeps you informed and involved every step of the way.sadfasdfsadf
