Deciding the best kind of child custody arrangement is important when going through a divorce or separation in Creek County. Many parents will have differing needs from other parents. This makes understanding the different types of custody and how each can benefit your children so important to making your final decision. Additionally, seeking legal counsel for the process can help make everything run smoother. This article will go into the types and differences of all the custody arrangements.
Types of Child Custody in Oklahoma
In Creek County, child custody can be classified into two main categories: legal custody and physical custody. Each type can be awarded as either sole or joint custody:
- Legal Custody: This refers to the authority to make major decisions about the child’s life, including education and healthcare. Parents can share this responsibility (joint legal custody) or it can be granted to just one parent (sole legal custody).
- Physical Custody: This determines where the child will live. Sole physical custody means the child resides with one parent most of the time and may visit the other parent. Joint physical custody means the child spends time living with both parents, often on a rotating basis.
After deciding between legal and physical custody, you’ll need to think about what that arrangement will look like. You will also need to decide if you will be seeking sole or joint custody. It’s important to know that the Oklahoma court system has a preference for joint custody. However, if sufficient evidence exists that the other parent is unfit, sole custody is possible.
Joint Custody Arrangements
Oklahoma law recognizes joint custody as an arrangement where parents share decision-making (legal custody) and parenting time (physical custody) of their children. There’s flexibility within this framework. Parents can develop a plan outlining how they’ll share both aspects jointly. This could involve an equal or near-equal division of time with the child, or a schedule tailored to specific needs. The key is that both parents have a significant role in the child’s life.
Some parents may choose a one week on, one week off schedule rotation. Alternatively, there can be an arrangement of splitting the week evenly, doing a 3-4-3 split. This would mean that a parent gets 3 days one week, then four the next, effectively dividing the 7 day period evenly. There is also the option of one parent keeping the child for school days, and the other parent having the child during school vacation times. However, all of these arrangements are only possible with proper communication and effort in co-parenting. Without the framework of a health co-parenting dynamic, these arrangements can be difficult.
Choosing the Best Kind of Child Custody Arrangement
Deciding on the best custody arrangement involves several considerations:
- Best Interests of the Child: The biggest concern in any custody decision is the child’s best interests. Factors include the child’s age, needs, the parent-child relationship, and each parent’s ability to provide stability.
- Parental Relationships: The ability of parents to communicate and cooperate can greatly influence the type of custody arrangement, as joint custody works best when parents have a collaborative relationship.
- Parental Responsibilities: Evaluate the responsibilities each parent has traditionally taken on in the child’s life and how you’ll divide parental duties moving forward.
- Geographical Proximity: The distance between the parents’ homes can impact the feasibility of joint physical custody. If parents live far apart, this arrangement may cause disruption to the child’s routine.
Ultimately, the court will make its decision based on what’s best for the child and their welfare. Choosing the best custody arrangement is not always straightforward, but family mediation can help. Additionally, a family law attorney can help you understand the legal aspects and help you advocate for the best arrangement.
Creek County Custody Attorney
Deciding what the best custody option is for you can be difficult and requires a lot of consideration about your child’s specific needs and circumstances. However, by understanding the different types of custody and considering the different factors, you can make informed decisions that benefit your children in the long term. Whether through mediation or legal counsel, striving for a custody arrangement that provides stability, love, and care for your children is the ultimate goal. If you’re currently deciding what custody arrangement is best for you, our team at Creek County Attorneys can help you through the process and advocate for you. Call us at 918-209-3709 for a free and confidential consultation or ask a legal question here.
