When you are facing a divorce or separation, few issues feel as overwhelming as child custody. Understanding the types of custody in Tulsa is a key part of ensuring your child is supported, both emotionally and legally. Custody arrangements impact the most important aspects of your child’s life. This might include where they live, how they are cared for, and who makes critical decisions about their day-to-day life.
At LaCourse Law, we know custody conversations often stir up anxiety and uncertainty. That is why we take a compassionate, straightforward approach to custody cases. We can explain your child custody options, advocate for your rights, and help you create a parenting plan that reflects the best interests of your child. Whether you are beginning the process or modifying an existing order, our attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.
Important life decisions are made by the parent or guardian who has legal custody of the child. This includes choices related to school, medical care, religion, and extracurricular activities. When a child resides with a parent in Tulsa, that parent has physical custody and is responsible for the child’s day-to-day routine and care.
Understanding the distinction between these two forms of custody is important when creating a parenting plan that supports your child’s well-being. One of our earnest lawyers at LaCourse Law could help ensure your arrangement reflects your family’s values, needs, and long-term goals.
In Tulsa, each type of custody (legal or physical) may be awarded jointly to both parents or solely to one. With joint custody, both parents are responsible for raising the child, encouraging co-parenting, and mutual decision-making. In a joint physical custody arrangement, the child may split time between each parent’s home. These arrangements work best when parents and guardians communicate well, are willing to collaborate, and are focused on their child’s best interests. Many families also choose joint legal custody, which allows both parents to have a say in major decisions while also maintaining a flexible parenting schedule that supports the child’s sense of stability and routine.
On the other hand, sole custody gives one parent full authority. This option is typically considered when the other parent is unavailable, unfit, or unwilling to be involved in the child’s life. Even in sole custody situations, the non-custodial parent may still be granted visitation rights. If one parent has sole physical custody, it means the child lives primarily with that parent, and the other may have scheduled parenting time.
We understand that every family is unique, which is why our attorneys take the time to understand your specific situation and help you create a custody plan that supports your child and protects your parental rights.
Custody decisions in Oklahoma are always guided by what serves the best interests of the child. When deciding what type of custody is best, the Tulsa County court evaluates a wide range of factors, including:
Judges may also consider which parent has historically been the child’s primary caregiver. If one parent wants to relocate or make life changes, the court may assess how those changes affect the child’s stability. A LaCourse Law attorney could help you gather the documentation and evidence needed to support your case and present it clearly in court.
Are you trying to understand the types of custody in Tulsa? Our attorneys could help and treat your family with the personalized care you deserve. We believe in doing what is right and advocating for you and your child. Call LaCourse Law today to schedule a consultation with one of our compassionate child custody lawyers.