In Oklahoma, joint custody is where the decisions for the minor children are resolved jointly and by agreement. The parties are required to develop a plan as to how the parents are going to work together to make important decisions, provide for the timeshare of the minor children, and the financial support of their children. It does require both parents to set aside their differences and to act in the best interest of their children.
If either parent or both parents request joint custody or shared custody, then plans for the exercise of joint care, custody, and control of the child must be filed with the court.
The plan must include:
- Physical living arrangements for the child;
- Child support obligations;
- Medical and dental care for the child;
- School placement;
- Visitation rights.
The plan can be modified when the modifications are in the best interests of the children. Likewise, an Oklahoma joint custody order may be modified or changed to sole custody whenever circumstances render the change proper and it is in the best interest of the child to do so.
David W. Echols is an Oklahoma City divorce lawyer who specializes in family law issues such as divorce and child custody.
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