{"id":47,"date":"2020-06-29T16:39:44","date_gmt":"2020-06-29T16:39:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/norwoodlegal.com\/family-law-child-custody\/"},"modified":"2021-05-04T22:24:23","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T03:24:23","slug":"family-law-child-custody","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/norwoodlegal.com\/family-law-child-custody\/","title":{"rendered":"Child Custody"},"content":{"rendered":"
If movies and TV shows get one thing right about divorce, it\u2019s that determining child custody is one of the most difficult aspects of ending a marriage, separating and ending a domestic partnership, or even just establishing parentage between an unmarried couple. It can be overwhelming for both parents and children to work through such a major change in their family relationships.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At Norwood Law Firm, we keep you and your children\u2019s best interests in mind through the entire child custody process. We know that custody cases are emotional, sensitive, and private. Our approach of mediation first, and strong litigation with care if necessary is focused on maintaining your relationships with your children and protecting your rights as a parent.<\/span><\/p>\n Our team has the expertise needed to find equitable compromises in mediation that protect your rights and represent your best interests. And we know that <\/span>mediation<\/a><\/strong> can save you and your children the stress of a court hearing, and provide a more timely and cost-effective solution than a court judgement. If you and the other parent agree on most of the terms of child custody and support, mediation will provide the quickest and most amiable resolution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, we know that mediation doesn\u2019t always work. If parents don\u2019t agree on terms for custody, strong litigation is required. When a court resolution is required, you can count on the Norwood Law Firm team to handle your case with strength and care. Our expert attorneys will stand by you through the court process to represent your parental rights and work to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At Norwood Law Firm in Tulsa, we know that when it comes to child custody, parents have some big decisions to make and they likely have a lot of questions. Our team of experienced attorneys will work with you to answer any questions you have and keep the best interest of you and your children in mind throughout the entire divorce or custody process. Here are a few of the most common questions we get about child custody cases.<\/span><\/p>\n In an ideal case, parents and their lawyers work together in <\/span>child custody<\/a><\/strong> mediation to achieve a fair and equitable custody arrangement. If parents are able to come to a joint decision, a judge will likely approve that agreement and finalize it as a court order.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If parents and their lawyers cannot come to an agreement about custody and visitation rights and schedules, then the case will go to court and the custody agreement will be decided by a judge. In child custody litigation, the court uses a standard that puts the best interest of the child at the forefront of the custody decision. With that in mind, the custody decision will depend on a number of factors including, the child\u2019s age and health, the parents\u2019 physical and mental health, emotional bonds between each parent and the child, a parent\u2019s ability to provide food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and other necessities, and even the child\u2019s preference if they are 12 years old or older. Issues like any history of domestic violence or other dangerous behavior will also have a significant role in a court\u2019s decision to award custody to one parent over another.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In some cases, parents or a judge may request or appoint a <\/span>Guardian Ad Litem<\/a><\/strong>. This specific, short-term guardianship gives the child in a custody case a dedicated legal advocate. A Guardian Ad Litem will make recommendations regarding the custody arrangement and work to determine the child\u2019s best interests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Norwood Law Firm Approach to Child Custody Cases in Oklahoma<\/span><\/h2>\n
See more Family Law service pages:<\/span> Child Support<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> Divorce<\/span><\/a><\/pre>\n
Frequently Asked Questions about Child Custody<\/span><\/h2>\n
How do courts determine which parent gets custody of their children?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
What is the difference between sole custody and joint custody?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n