Oklahoma laws state that child custody be determined by what is in the “best interest” of the minor child; although custody is often placed with the maternal parent, it is not automatic. Many factors are considered when determining child custody and it is extremely important that you answer our questions as honestly and completely as possible. There is no guarantee that custody will be awarded to the mother, or the father.

Disagreements over custody and visitation are guaranteed to put you in the middle of a bitterly contested and expensive divorce. In Carter County, the Judge will order both parents to follow the "Judicial Order for Proper Conduct of Unmarried Parents", but all parents in a divorce action should try to follow these guidelines for divorce involving children which include:

1. If you have custody of your children, have them appropriately dressed and ready for visitation at the arranged times.

2. The parent with whom the children live with must prepare them, both mentally and physically, for the visitation. The children should be available at the time mutually agreed upon, or as ordered by the Court.

3. If you have custody of the children do not present obstacles to visitation because your spouse is not making payments.


4. If you have visitation rights be there to pick up your child and return them at the specified time.

5. If you are making payments, do not withhold or delay them because you are having visitation problems.

6. Do not use your visitation as an excuse to continue arguments with your spouse.

7. Do not visit your children if you have been drinking.

8. Do not visit your children at unreasonable hours.

9. Do not fail to notify your spouse as soon as possible if you are unable to keep your visitation. It is unfair to your children to keep them waiting, and worse to disappoint them by not coming at all.

10. Make your visitation as pleasant as possible for your children by not questioning them regarding the activities of your spouse and by not making extravagant promises, which you know you cannot, or will not, keep.

11. Do not poison your child’s mind against the other parent by discussing his/her shortcomings.

12. Do not expose your children to any member of the opposite sex with whom you may be emotionally or physically involved;

13. If one parent has plans for the children that conflicts with the visitation, and these plans are in the best interest of the children, be adults and try to work out the problem together.

14. Always act for the spiritual well-being, health, happiness and safety of your children.

This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.