| Custody laws in Oklahoma are found in Title 43 in the | | | | This plan, often called a parenting plan or custody |
| Oklahoma statutes. All of these laws are important for | | | | agreement, is made based on the plan submitted by |
| divorced or separating parents to now, and there it is | | | | the parents. If the mother and father are able to agree |
| particularly essential that parents learn the guidelines | | | | on the plan, they can submit one jointly that the court |
| from the state about making the custody agreement. | | | | will consider. If they are not able to work together, |
| In order for this plan to be accepted by the state, it | | | | each parent should submit a proposed plan and the |
| must contain all of the necessary information and the | | | | court will look at both ideas. |
| parents must follow the proper procedures. Here are | | | | 3. Joint custody. If either parent wants to have a joint |
| some highlights from the law concerning parenting | | | | custody arrangement, that parent must file a plan that |
| plans. | | | | shows how the parents will share custody and control |
| 1. Awarding of custody. Section 109 in Title 43 details | | | | of the children. The mother and father can submit an |
| how the state awards custody of the children. This is | | | | agreement together, or the parents can file separate |
| a big part of the parenting plan, and parents must | | | | plans. The plan needs to detail the physical living |
| figure out how they will arrange custody. Custody will | | | | arrangements of the child, child support obligations, |
| be awarded according to what is in the best physical, | | | | medical and dental care for the child, school placement, |
| moral, and mental interest of the child. Either parent | | | | visitation rights, and anything else the parents want to |
| may be awarded custody, or joint custody can be | | | | include. The court can terminate joint custody at any |
| awarded. The state gives no preference to either | | | | time if either parent requests it, or if the court finds it |
| parent because of gender. | | | | isn't in the best interest of the child. A new plan detailing |
| 2. Parenting plan. Section 109, Part D requires that the | | | | the custody arrangements will then be made. |
| court have a final plan concerning custody matters. | | | | |