In Oklahoma, there are two main types of joint custody awarded by the courts. This means that both parents share in the rights and responsibilities of raising their child. This includes decision-making and, in many cases, time spent with the child. Joint custody is not automatically a 50/50 split in time but refers to shared authority and participation in the child’s upbringing.
1. Joint Legal Custody
Joint legal custody means that both parents share the right to make major decisions about the child’s life. This includes decisions about:
- Education
- Health care
- Religious upbringing
- Extracurricular activities
Even if the child lives primarily with one parent, both parents must cooperate and agree on major life decisions. This form of custody works best when parents can communicate and resolve disagreements in a respectful, timely way.
2. Joint Physical Custody
Joint physical custody refers to the amount of time the child spends living with each parent. In this arrangement, the child has frequent and ongoing contact with both parents, and time may be split evenly or in another agreed-upon schedule.
For example, this arrangement might involve:
- Alternating weeks or weekends
- A 2-2-3 rotation (two days with one parent, two days with the other, then alternating weekends)
- Extended time in summer or during school breaks
This arrangement requires both parents to live relatively close to each other and coordinate schedules, school pickups, and other logistics. Courts usually only approve joint arrangements when it’s clear that it will serve the child’s best interests.
How the Court Decides Custody
The court’s guiding standard in any custody case is the best interests of the child. Judges will consider:
- Each parent’s ability to care for the child
- Stability in each parent’s home
- Willingness to co-parent and communicate
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s preference (if age 12 or older)
- Any history of abuse, neglect, or substance abuse
If both parents are able to care for the child and can cooperate, the court is more likely to approve a joint custody plan.
Do Joint Custody Arrangements Require a Parenting Plan?
In Oklahoma, joint custody orders must include a detailed Parenting Plan that outlines:
- Where the child will live
- How parents will share time (visitation or physical custody schedule)
- How parents will make decisions
- How disputes will be resolved (e.g., mediation)
- Any transportation or holiday-sharing details
A well-crafted parenting plan helps reduce conflict and provides clarity for both parents and the child.
Can We Modify The Arrangement Later On?
Either parent can request a modification of the joint custody order if there has been a material change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests. This might include relocation, remarriage, health issues, or a change in the child’s needs.
Claremore Child Custody Attorneys
If you’re considering joint custody or have questions about how to create a fair and workable parenting plan, our Rogers County attorneys navigate the legal process and work towards the best outcome for your family. For a free consultation with an attorney at Claremore Attorneys, call 918-379-4872. Or you can click here to ask a free online legal question.
