CHILD CUSTODY & VISITATION RIGHTS

Child Custody Lawyer in Norman, OK

Supporting Families with Sole & Joint Custody in Oklahoma City, McClain County & Cleveland County

Going through a divorce is a complex and emotional process. No one gets married to get divorced. A divorce can be complicated and heartbreaking, even if you and your spouse are on speaking terms. Sadly, in most circumstances, at least one of the spouses is vindictive and angry. These reasons can make it far more difficult for everyone, especially children.

Our Norman child custody and visitation rights lawyers have decades of experience to apply to your family law issue. Our OK family law attorneys remain dedicated to achieving your goals as efficiently as possible through stellar service and prominent legal ability. Our child custody lawyers in Norman, OK, always work to obtain goals, especially for your child's best interests.

Learn more about your custody case and how our lawyers can help by calling (405) 294-1511 or completing our LAW FIRM ONLINE CONTACT FORM today.

Child custody and visitation rights are issues that must be resolved to finalize your divorce. These family law matters may also arise in post-divorce situations when modifications to existing court orders are needed to accommodate substantial changes in your or your ex-spouse’s circumstances.

In some instances, grandparents need to step in to care for a child or to seek the right to visit a child when barred by an uncooperative parent. Whatever the situation you face concerning your child(ren) or grandchild(ren), Nichols Dixon is here to help.

Understanding the Types of Custody in Norman, Oklahoma

Child custody in Oklahoma, OK, generally refers to both physical and legal custody. Physical custody involves where and with whom the child lives, while legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make decisions about the child’s education, health, religious practices, and other important child custody issues.

Oklahoma courts favor children having a structured and continuing relationship with both parents barring any reason against it (such as domestic violence or a substance abuse problem). Therefore, many courts award joint custody, as it is considered to be in the child’s best interests.

At Nichols Dixon, our Norman family law lawyers provide assistance with custody-related issues for parents and grandparents such as:

Parenting plans
Custody agreements
Parent or child relocation
Pursuing legal adoption of a grandchild
Post-judgment modifications of custody orders
Protective and restraining orders to protect children
Enforcement of custody and visitation orders when obligations are not being fulfilled
Paternity testing and litigation if needed to establish parental rights related to custody, visitation, and child support
Establishing a visitation plan that enables grandparents to see a grandchild and play an active part in the child’s life
Establishing a guardianship that will allow grandparents to make important decisions and act legally on a grandchild's behalf — typically when biological parents cannot or will not handle these responsibilities

Key Factors in Determining Child Custody in Norman, Oklahoma

A judge will consider a variety of factors when deciding on custody. In Oklahoma, decisions are always determined based on the "child's best interests." The courts in Norman will also consider what the child prefers, in cases involving older and discerning children who can vocalize their wants and needs.

Some of these factors include the following:

The parents' physical, emotional, and mental well-being
The need to provide a stable home environment for the child
The ability to provide a support system for the child
The child's current school and community
Whether or not a parent has had a history of abuse or domestic violence
Whether or not a parent has had a history of drug, alcohol, or sexual abuse
The child's personal preferences, if reasonable

Of course, every child's needs will be different. The bottom line is ensuring that your child continues to be brought up in an environment that is not only supportive, but will allow him or her to thrive, grow, and learn. If you have questions about child custody and the next steps in the court process, please do not hesitate to contact Nichols Dixon PLLC.

Evaluating Parental Fitness in Norman, OK

Parental fitness refers to a parent's ability to provide the bare minimum of care for their child. If there is proof to the contrary, the court generally concludes that parents are fit to parent. It's not unusual for one parent to say the other is unable to have custody in a contested child custody dispute. When a parent's fitness is challenged, the court will request proof to back up the assertion. Parental fitness is difficult to prove, and the court evaluates a parent's fitness on an individual basis. As a result, certain considerations will be included in determining whether or not the parent is capable of parenting.

Understanding Custody Rights for Mothers in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the mother legally retains sole custody of any child born out of wedlock. Basically, any father that isn't married when their child is born has no automatic custody rights. However, once he establishes paternity, he can then petition the Oklahoma courts for custody, visitation and child support rights.

Talk to one of our Norman child custody and visitation rights lawyers about your legal family law issue today. Call (405) 294-1511.

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Opinions That Matter the Most

"I put all of my trust in Nichols Dixon and know he will always do what’s best for my family!"
Exceptional consult. The only character definition that exceeds the Nichols Dixon law firm’s passion and experience for the law is the character of Integrity and Honesty that they employ to define the firm. Over the last seven years they have cared for my family and I can’t convey enough of the appreciation I have for this law firm. Mr. Nichols knowledge is beyond exemplary. I put all of my trust in him and know he will always do what’s best for my family.

Jonie Murphy
"We no longer see him as just hired service, but as a partner, and a caring advocate for us!"
Mr. Nichols exceeded expectations. We had the need for his legal services from across the country. We no longer see him as just hired service, but as a partner, and a caring advocate for us. I only wish there were 10 stars to offer. Thank you again Drew for your counsel and results.

Ed M.
"I do not know how I would have been able to handle all the stress without them!"
Perfect in every way. I went through a Divorce last year and didnt know what to do or who to turn to, I found Drew Nichols and hired him. I am so glad I found him and his team ( thank you Alicia for putting up with my 100 plus questions) , they helped me with all my questions and put me at ease. I do not know how I would have been able to handle all the stress without them.

Jesse A.
"Best lawyer in Cleveland county by far!!"
Drew has helped me with many of my cases. And he’s got me the best results. Drew helps his clients to their full potential for the best outcome for the case. Best lawyer in Cleveland County by far!! Won’t be disappointed

Joe E.
"Drew Nichols is a wonderful attorney, and a good, honest, decent man."
Drew Nichols is a wonderful attorney, and a good, honest, decent man.

Tammy D.
"I recommend their services to anyone in need!"
Great team at Nichols Dixon. I recommend their services to anyone in need.

Isaac B.
"Drew was a knowledgeable, empathetic, and calming presence during the most difficult season of my life!"
Drew was a knowledgeable, empathetic, and calming presence during the most difficult season of my life. He helped me navigate through a divorce process that took nearly a year and a half. Nobody wins in a divorce, but I felt that Drew helped me "win" by achieving the best and fairest results possible for my case.

Lynn N.
"Excellent Attorney!"
We used Mr. Nichols in a divorce case which included child custody, child support, and alimony, he was very professional and wonderful to work with, I highly recommend him.

Tammy

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