Co-Parenting App for Oklahoma Parents

What Oklahoma courts consider in custody decisions

Oklahoma courts primarily consider the safety and well-being of the child and any parent who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment as the leading factor. Additional factors include the child's relationship with each parent, each parent's ability to meet the child's needs, the child's adjustment to home/school/community, and the mental and physical health of all parties. Children aged 12 and older are presumed mature enough to express a meaningful custody preference under § 113. If a parent relocated or was absent due to domestic violence by the other parent, that absence cannot weigh against them in the custody determination.

How the custody process works in Oklahoma

Oklahoma custody cases are filed in District Court. In divorces based on incompatibility filed after November 1, 2014, both parents must complete a mandatory educational program on co-parenting and the impact of separation on children before a final custody order can be entered — the program must be completed within 45 days of the temporary order under § 107.2. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem or order a custody evaluation if parents cannot agree on custody arrangements.

Key Oklahoma custody statutes

• Okla. Stat. tit. 43, § 109
• Okla. Stat. tit. 43, § 107.2
• Okla. Stat. tit. 43, § 113