How Custody Is Determined

The court bases custody decisions on the child’s best interests. In contested cases, the court may appoint professionals — such as guardians ad litem or custody evaluators — to provide recommendations.

While the goal is for a custody order to remain in place until the child turns 18, life changes sometimes require modification.

• Legal custody modifications require proving a permanent, material, and substantial change in the custodial parent’s circumstances that directly affects the child — a high legal standard.

• Physical custody schedules can be modified if the change is shown to be in the child’s best interests.

Relocation with a Child in Oklahoma

Because families today are highly mobile, Oklahoma law places strict limits on parental relocation. A parent wishing to move more than 75 miles from the child’s primary residence must:

1. Provide written notice by certified mail to the other parent, including relocation details.

2. Give the non-relocating parent 30 days to object.

If an objection is filed, the case goes to court. The relocating parent must prove the move is made in good faith, while the opposing parent must prove it is not in the child’s best interest.

Due to the short timelines and high stakes in relocation and custody modification cases, it is critical to work with an experienced family law attorney immediately.