Child Custody Cases in Oklahoma
Doing What’s Best for Our Youngest Clients
Child custody cases can be very sensitive. Usually, both parents want what’s best for their kids – but they might disagree drastically on what “best” actually means. When physical or legal custody of your children is on the line you need clarity, not confusion.
Stark Law is here to help parents like you understand your rights, walk with you through complex court procedures, and build realistic parenting plans that prioritize your child’s well-being. We make our straightforward, affordable representation available to mothers and fathers across Oklahoma.
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in Oklahoma?
$2,000 Retainer in most cases
$250 per hour
Additional costs beyond $2,000 retainer = Additional billing that exceeds retainer
What You Need to Know About Child Custody in Oklahoma
Legal vs. Physical Custody
The word “custody” gets thrown around a lot, but in Oklahoma, there are two distinct forms of custody that affect the rights of you and your children: Legal Custody and Physical Custody. In both cases, the court’s focus is always the child’s best interest, which includes considering safety, stability, communication between parents.
Legal Custody
This refers to a parent’s decision-making authority, regarding everything from schooling and medical decisions to activities and major life choices. This can be shared (“Joint”) or lie with one parent (“Sole”).
Physical Custody
This refers to where the child lives, as well as how parenting time is divided. Courts may award joint or sole arrangements depending on the circumstances.
Oklahoma Courts consider several options:
Sole Legal Custody: One parent makes decisions.
Joint Legal Custody: Parents share decisions.
Joint Physical Custody: Parents share childcare responsibilities, usually on a court-ordered or approved schedule.
Joint Legal Custody with Primary Final Decision Maker: Both parents collaborate, but one has final say when they disagree.
Sole Physical Custody: One parent is awarded sole physical custody and takes responsibility for childcare. Visitation may still be allowed for the other parent.
IMPORTANT: Temporary Orders & Parenting Plans
The first major step in a divorce is a “Temporary Orders Hearing”. This hearing occurs within 30 days of initial filing, and the judge will set ground rules for finances, housing, visitation and custody during the case.
Ordered at Temporary Orders Hearing – and Rarely Modified!
These orders are almost never changed during the action, so you need legal representation during this phase to ensure a favorable outcome!
Residency & Filing Requirements
At least one spouse must have lived in Oklahoma for six months and in the filing county for at least 30 days.
Emergencies, Enforcement & Contempt
Sometimes, dire circumstances require prompt action to keep your kids safe. If your child is in danger of immediate harm, we can file the following on your behalf:
Emergency custody: When the child faces imminent irreparable harm.
Contempt motions: When the other parent violates orders. Consequences can include fines, attorney fees or even jail time.
Motion to Enforce Visitation: When the other parent withholds the child or cancels visits without cause.
Emergency filings move quickly, and the initial hearing may occur within days.
Modifications
When there is a sufficient change in your life circumstances, such as new job schedules, relocation, safety concerns or ongoing conflicts, custody orders can be changed. Stark Law will handle these post-decree modifications for you.
Contentious Cases
We all love our kids. Disagreements about custody and what’s best for them can lead to volatile interactions. In these high-conflict or complex cases, the court may require any of the following:
Stark Law will help prepare you for these steps, and ensure your rights remain protected during negotiations.
You Need a Child Custody Attorney
To you, the case may be clear as day: You believe you deserve full custody. Even when it seems obvious, it doesn’t mean the courts will see it that way – especially if your adversary has legal representation. Oklahoma child custody cases are stressful, emotional and complex. Our judges rely heavily on documentation showing communication patterns, household stability and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with both parents.
You cannot do this on your own and expect a favorable outcome. You need aggressive and fair representation – like the kind you’re guaranteed to get from Stark Law. We will ensure your case is presented in the way judges want to see it – clearly, professionally and with a focus on what matters most – your child.
Amber W.
Byron C.
Judi T.
The Stark Law Approach
We want you to feel empowered and knowledgeable throughout this process. Stark Law was built to make family law accessible for Oklahomans like you. We’re determined to handle your case with precision and practicality – without any theatrics, drama or confusing billing. Rather, we focus on solid legal work. We file efficiently, communicate clearly and keep you informed every step of the way.
Understandable
Straightforward guidance without legal jargon
Balanced
Advocacy for both mothers & fathers
Timely Communication
You always know what’s happening in your case
Transparent
Complete billing clarity & no surprise bills
Efficient
Timely filings & fast action. Most cases move from filing to final orders quickly.
Stark Law can represent you
Wherever you are in Oklahoma
Stark Law will provide fierce and fair child custody representation. We defend and advocate for child custody clients in the Oklahoma City metro, including Norman, Yukon and Mustang, and can travel as needed – from Lawton, Chickasha, Newcastle and Purcell to Chandler, Stillwater and beyond. Don’t hesitate to give us a call.
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How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in Oklahoma?
Child Custody attorney costs range widely, and depend on two primary factors:
- The attorney’s hourly rate
- How much time that attorney will need to spend on your case
Many other firms will try to hide this information from you, but at Stark Law, we believe custody cases are stressful enough. Your legal bill shouldn’t be. Our hourly rate is $250 per hour, and custody representation typically begins with a $2,000 retainer. From that retainer, we will deduct the time that is spent on your case. You’ll always know where your money is going and you’ll never pay for unnecessary delays. Should the retainer run out, you’ll be billed for additional costs.
Stark Law Child Custody Representation Costs
$2,000 Retainer
$250 per hour
Additional costs beyond $2,000 retainer = Additional billing that exceeds retainer
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Can fathers get 50/50 custody in Oklahoma?
Yes. Oklahoma courts do not favor one parent over the other. The deciding factor is the child’s best interest.
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What qualifies as a ‘material change’ for modification?
“Material Change” examples include relocation, major schedule changes, safety concerns or a parent becoming unfit.
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Do custody cases always require mediation?
Many counties require mediation before trial. Stark Law prepares clients for both mediation and court.
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How is child custody determined in Oklahoma?
Courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests, looking at factors like parental stability, any abuse history and the child’s emotional ties to each parent. This includes legal custody for major decisions and physical custody for daily care. The goal is always what serves the child well. Stark Law will help you navigate these considerations.
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What is the difference between joint and sole child custody in OKC?
Joint custody lets both parents share decisions with the child, promoting equal involvement. Sole custody grants one parent primary control and responsibility with the other parent receiving visitation rights. Courts tend to favor joint custody when it’s safe and practical.
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What is child custody like for unmarried parents in Oklahoma?
For unmarried parents the mother of a child born out of wedlock has custody of the child until determined otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction until paternity is established. Once paternity is established, the father can seek shared custody and visitation. Courts still prioritize the child’s best interests, rather than marital status. Stark Law works to establish fair arrangements for both sides.
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What are emergency child custody orders in Oklahoma?
Emergency orders protect a child from immediate, irreparable harm, like abuse or neglect, granting temporary sole custody to the safer parent. These are short-term until a full hearing can be held. In the case of emergency child custody orders, the court will act quickly – but proof of danger is required. If your child needs protection now, call Stark Law immediately.
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How can child custody orders be modified in Oklahoma?
Modifications occur when there’s a significant change in circumstances which affects the child’s welfare, such as relocation or a parent’s job loss. Stark Law will file a motion showing why the modification will serve the child’s best interests, and the court will carefully review the evidence.
Stark Law’s Practice Areas
Divorce
Straightforward, effective divorce representation.
Military Divorce
Well-versed in military divorces & SCRA + USFSPA rules.
Paternity
Visitation, custody, child support & more hinge on paternity.
Child Support
Understand your rights & responsibilities.
Alimony & Spousal Support
Representation to ensure a fair deal.
Victim Protective Orders (VPO)
Protection from dangerous people + wrongful VPO defense.
We believe it’s important to find the right fit with your attorney.
“I am incredibly grateful for Hannah Stark’s advocacy on my behalf. They fought hard for my child’s best interests and secured a favorable outcome for our family. if needed for future dilemmas i will be sure to return to Hannah Stark for her fierce advocacy. Hannah Stark is the best & will achieve results. No words can describe how well she represented me during this difficult time.”
Contact Stark Law