Tulsa Child Custody Attorney
Over 30 Years of Family Law & Mediation Experience in Oklahoma
David C. Fisher Law Firm, PLLC has been a trusted name for families in Tulsa since 2002, navigating sensitive family law matters, including child custody and visitation. Our firm is built on a foundation of family values, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the people we serve.
We understand that child custody disputes can be emotionally overwhelming and deeply personal. That’s why our Tulsa child custody team focuses on more than just the legal process — we’re here to guide you, educate you, and stand by you every step of the way. Every client who walks through our doors is treated with respect, understanding, and personal attention. We remain accessible and responsive, ensuring your concerns are always heard and addressed promptly.
The court system can feel intimidating, especially when your child’s future is at stake. We take the time to explain your rights, your options, and what to expect throughout your case so you can make informed, confident decisions.
We recognize that every family’s situation is unique. We approach each custody matter with empathy and strategic focus, working to achieve outcomes that support your child’s best interests and your long-term family stability. Our goal is to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Below you'll find more information about:
- How Is Child Custody Determined in Oklahoma?
- Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Oklahoma
- Developing Effective Parenting Plans in Tulsa
- Other Oklahoma Child Custody Laws You Should Know
- Emergency Custody & Protective Orders in Tulsa County
- Importance of a Tulsa-Based Child Custody Lawyer
- Navigating the Tulsa Family Court Process
- FAQs About Child Custody in Tulsa
Call our Tulsa child custody attorney today at (918) 201-1062 to get started on your case.
How Is Child Custody Determined in Oklahoma?
The primary factor courts use to determine child custody in Oklahoma is the best interests of the child.
Every custody case involves unique circumstances. Judges consider the following factors and more when making a decision:
- The wishes of the child (depending on the child's age)
- The relationship each parent has with the child
- The relationship the child has with relatives or other important people in the family's life
- The child's involvement with the community (religious activities, extracurricular activities, etc.)
- Each parent's mental and physical abilities
- Any history of abuse with either parent
- Any history of substance abuse with either parent
- Any criminal history with either parent
- Which parent can provide the safest home environment
- The willingness of each parent to cooperate with the other parent
- Each parent's financial abilities
- Each parent's ability to make good decisions for the child
- Each parent's ability to spend time with the child
In addition to these factors, the court may order evaluations or appoint guardians to report on the child's welfare. Parents might have to attend mediation sessions to resolve conflicts without court intervention. Courts favor arrangements that promote the child's stability and minimize disruption to education, health, and family life.
Expert & Witness Testimony in Child Custody Determination
Oklahoma family courts, including those in Tulsa County, often use third-party professionals—such as child psychologists or social workers—to provide further insight when determining custody. Judges may also request home studies to assess the living environment each parent offers. In contested cases, judges regularly schedule evidentiary hearings where each parent can present relevant information and call witnesses. The court’s goal is always to support a safe, consistent, and nurturing situation for the child, guided by Oklahoma law as well as local practice.
If you are interested in learning how we can help you through this difficult time, please contact our Tulsa child custody attorney at (918) 201-1062 to schedule a free consultation.
Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Oklahoma
Understanding the different types of custody arrangements available in Oklahoma can significantly affect the decisions parents make during a separation or divorce.
- Joint custody is common and encourages cooperative parenting where both parents stay involved in important decisions about the child's welfare, such as education, medical care, and religious upbringing. This ensures both parents play a balanced role in the child's life
- Sole custody may be awarded when one parent is better able to provide a stable environment for the child. The parent with sole custody makes major decisions, although the other parent may still have visitation rights.
- Physical custody determines where the child primarily lives and can be joint or primarily with one parent. Understanding these details is important for creating parenting structures tailored to your child's needs.
Parents navigating custody arrangements in Tulsa should know that family courts encourage flexible schedules that support the child's relationships with both parents, as long as doing so is safe and appropriate. Many families find that a combination of joint legal custody with a structured residential schedule works well, particularly when both parties live in close proximity.
Tulsa County judges may recommend or approve week-on/week-off schedules or customized routines that match the child's school and extracurricular commitments. Additionally, Oklahoma law permits grandparents or other relatives to request visitation in certain circumstances, adding another layer to custody arrangements. Familiarity with these options ensures that families can craft arrangements that uphold the child’s best interests as defined by the local court.
Developing Effective Parenting Plans in Tulsa
A parenting plan serves as the blueprint for co-parenting after separation or divorce. In Tulsa County, the law encourages parents to develop detailed parenting plans that clearly define each parent’s rights, responsibilities, and scheduled time with the child. Courts look favorably on arrangements that demonstrate parental cooperation and prioritize the child’s routine, education, and social ties.
An effective parenting plan outlines not just where the child lives and when, but also specifies decision-making authority, communication protocols between parents, and how holidays or travel are handled. The Tulsa County District Court may require reviewed plans to address transportation arrangements, emergency decision-making, and dispute resolution methods if disagreements arise later. By thinking through potential issues up front, parents limit the risk of confusion or new conflict after the order goes into effect.
Completing a strong plan often involves reviewing the child’s school and activity schedules, factoring in logistical realities for each parent, and addressing unique family needs. Many Tulsa families choose to collaborate through mediation or legal counsel to draft, review, and revise their parenting plans, ensuring the final document supports stability and the child’s ongoing relationship with both parents. Personalizing the plan to fit local school calendars, extracurricular schedules, and family traditions lays the groundwork for positive co-parenting in the future.
Other Oklahoma Child Custody Laws You Should Know
Newer laws in Oklahoma have replaced the terms "custody" and "visitation" with "parenting time" and "residential schedule" to promote less adversarial arrangements and encourage both parents to remain involved in their child's life.
Oklahoma law encourages parents to work together on co-parenting arrangements whenever possible, supporting shared decision-making. In some cases, both parents may be required to participate in parenting classes, and Tulsa County courts may set local requirements for these educational sessions.
Preparing for compliance with local rules, such as filing parenting plans or attending court-mandated mediation, makes the legal process smoother. By having legal support familiar with both statewide and Tulsa-specific family law, parents position themselves to move efficiently through each stage of a custody matter. Staying proactive about legal filings, education, and court deadlines builds a stronger foundation for your family’s future.
By talking to an experienced child custody lawyer in Tulsa, you can better understand state and local laws, the family court system, and how courts are likely to make decisions.
Every child-related decision is important. If you have questions or concerns about child custody, visitation, parenting time, or child support, we can help guide you through the process. We are happy to answer your questions and support you in any way possible.
Emergency Custody & Protective Orders in Tulsa County
Urgent situations sometimes require parents or guardians to seek emergency custody for a child in Tulsa County. Emergency custody proceedings aim to protect children facing immediate threats to their safety or well-being, such as abuse, neglect, or abandonment. When these emergencies arise, the court can hold expedited hearings at the Tulsa County District Court to review the claims and temporarily adjust custody arrangements until a full investigation takes place.
Tulsa County judges examine all available evidence—including sworn statements, police reports, and documentation from child protective agencies—before granting emergency relief. The court typically establishes an immediate temporary order designed to protect the child until both parties have an opportunity to present their side at a future hearing. This process prioritizes the child’s safety and ensures that concerns about harm are addressed rapidly under local standards and timelines.
Parents facing urgent custody disputes should gather clear, credible evidence of the emergency and be prepared to explain how the situation puts the child at risk. Relying on a child custody attorney with local experience in the Tulsa court system can help families navigate fast-moving legal requirements, present their claims effectively, and work toward a safe outcome for the child. Emergency orders are always temporary; the court will revisit and formalize more lasting decisions once further review or investigation occurs.
When Is a Parent Considered Unfit?
A parent is considered unfit for custody in Oklahoma if they cannot provide a safe environment for the child. Courts review factors such as:
- Drug and/or alcohol dependence
- Domestic violence
- Convicted of a sexual offense
- Child abuse or neglect
The definition of unfitness includes not only clear acts of abuse or neglect, but also repeated behaviors that place the child at significant risk. For instance, if a parent regularly exposes the child to unsafe situations—such as frequent absences, leaving the child with unvetted individuals, or a pattern of unsafe home conditions—courts may consider these when making decisions. In Tulsa, judges rely on both statutory guidelines and their own observations from hearings to determine unfitness. If a parent receives this designation, the court may appoint an independent guardian ad litem to advocate for the child's interests and to investigate any claims of harm further.
What Should I Do If I Have Concerns About My Co-Parent?
Oklahoma courts carefully assess any evidence that suggests a parent is unfit. A concerned parent may need to provide documentation or witnesses to show endangerment. If necessary, courts may order supervised visitation to ensure the child's safety. We encourage parents facing these challenges to seek guidance from a knowledgeable attorney to protect their children's welfare.
Do you have questions about Oklahoma child custody laws? Don't hesitate to call (918) 201-1062 or contact our firm online today.