On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in child custody on Monday, January 27, 2020.
Divorce is never an easy task to contemplate in Oklahoma and it can be complicated all the more when children are involved. Young children in particular may feel the emotional trauma that can come with changes in the family dynamic, but child custody norms have evolved to expand the options that are available. This includes a change in the paradigm concerning fathers and custody.
It is now widely accepted that the best interest of the child includes a strong relationship with both parents. This typically involves a child being able to spend significant time with each parent. One of the societal changes that contributes to shared custody becoming more accepted is that more women are working full time.
There are two terms one should be familiar with where child custody is concerned. The terms are legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody pertains to who has the right to make decisions for the child. These can include everything from health care, to religion, to education and to participation in extracurricular activities; if parents share legal custody they both participate in making these decisions. Physical custody pertains to where the child physically resides and shared physical custody is becoming more common as the courts recognize the importance of the relationship between the child and both parents.
Divorce and child custody are two situations married couples often work to avoid. When divorce appears to be the best solution to family discord, consulting with a knowledgeable family law attorney can lend a calming presence to a stressful situation. An experienced lawyer may be able to help one sort out the available options regarding child custody in Oklahoma.