An uncontested divorce offers a straightforward, efficient way to end a marriage. When both spouses agree that divorce is the right step and are willing to work together, you can do a lot in a short amount of time. In Claremore, couples can use this route to avoid drawn-out court battles and unnecessary stress. But even a simple divorce must…
DHS removing Indigenous children from their homes on tribal land involves interactions between child welfare agencies, tribal governments, and federal law. In Oklahoma, questions about whether the Department of Human Services (DHS) can intervene in cases involving Indigenous children are particularly important. Understanding the limits of DHS authority and the protections in place is crucial when navigating custody matters on…
Failing a DHS ISP can come with severe consequences. When the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) becomes involved in a family’s life, the agency often requires parents or guardians to complete an Individualized Service Plan (ISP). This outlines steps the parent must take to address concerns and demonstrate their ability to provide a safe and stable environment for their…
Many of our clients facing divorce want to know how the courts divide marital debt in a divorce, as well as property. Property division is often as equitable as possible. This doesn’t mean equal, but fair based on income and sacrifices made during the marriage for the partner. However, debts are slightly different. While equitable division is the general basis,…
Knowing the rights of a foster parent is important to ensure you can advocate for the children and fulfill responsibilities. Foster parents in Oklahoma play a crucial role in providing temporary care and stability for children who are unable to live with their biological families. Oklahoma law provides several rights to foster parents to support them in this important role….
Guardianship of a child is a legal process where a guardian is appointed to manage the personal, medical, and financial affairs of a minor or an incapacitated person. In Oklahoma, guardianship can be full, where the guardian has comprehensive powers, or limited, where the guardian’s powers are restricted to specific areas defined by the court. Guardianship of a Child Starting…
Fathers rights refer to the impact that a parent’s gender will have in their custody battles and the parental rights that they both have and will receive. Oklahoma law does not differentiate between fathers’ and mothers’ rights when it comes to custody. The primary focus of the court is always the best interests of the child. This means that, legally,…
Facing a child neglect charge in Oklahoma can be a daunting and life-altering experience. Understanding what constitutes child neglect and knowing how to mount a defense can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s what you need to know about child neglect charges and criminal defense strategies in Oklahoma. Understanding Child Neglect Child neglect in Oklahoma is defined as…
In Oklahoma, grandparents may be able to get emergency custody of their grandchildren under certain circumstances. A court typically grants emergency custody when the child’s safety and well-being are at immediate risk, requiring swift legal intervention. Here, we’ll discuss the conditions needed, the steps to follow for a grandparent getting emergency custody, and what it means for now and the…
Appealing a child custody order can be a tough call to make. If you have recently received a child custody order from a family court in Oklahoma and you are unhappy with the decision, you might be wondering if you can appeal the ruling. Read below for more on the process of appealing a child custody order in Oklahoma, including…