Boeheim Freeman Law
Child Custody
Aggressive advocacy for custody arrangements that protect your children's best interests.
Fighting for Arrangements That Put Your Children First — Always
When children are involved, the stakes could not be higher. Our Tulsa child custody attorneys understand that every decision made in a custody case has a lasting impact on your children's lives. We approach every case with both the tenacity to fight for your parental rights and the sensitivity to minimize the emotional toll on your family. Whether you're establishing custody for the first time or seeking to modify an existing order, Boeheim Freeman Law is in your corner.
Speak With an Attorney
Get a free, confidential consultation. We'll review your situation and explain your options — no obligation.
Schedule Consultation(918) 884-7791What We Handle in Child Custody Cases
Legal & Physical Custody
We help clients pursue sole or joint legal and physical custody arrangements that reflect the best interests of the child under Oklahoma law.
Visitation & Parenting Plans
We draft detailed parenting plans that establish clear schedules, holiday arrangements, and communication protocols to reduce future conflict.
Custody Modifications
When circumstances change — a new job, relocation, or changes in the child's needs — we help parents seek appropriate modifications to existing orders.
Relocation Disputes
If one parent wishes to move with the children, we provide strong representation whether you are seeking to relocate or opposing a move.
Emergency Custody Orders
When a child's safety is at risk, we act quickly to obtain emergency protective orders and temporary custody arrangements.
Grandparent Visitation
Oklahoma law provides certain rights to grandparents. We help grandparents pursue visitation when it is in the child's best interest.
What to Expect Working With Us
Step 01
Case Evaluation
We assess your situation, explain Oklahoma custody standards, and develop a strategy focused on your children's well-being and your parental rights.
Step 02
Negotiation & Mediation
We work to reach a fair parenting agreement through negotiation or mediation, keeping conflict — and cost — to a minimum when possible.
Step 03
Litigation if Necessary
When agreement is not possible, we are fully prepared to present a compelling case before an Oklahoma judge to protect your parental rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oklahoma favor 50/50 custody in 2026?
Yes. As of November 1, 2026, Oklahoma law (SB 1708) established a rebuttable presumption that joint custody and equally shared parenting time are in the child's best interest. This means Tulsa judges now start with the assumption of a 50/50 split unless a parent proves that such an arrangement would be physically or emotionally harmful to the child. Our firm has transitioned our litigation strategies to align with these 2026 statutory changes, helping Tulsa parents understand what "rebuttable presumption" means for their specific case.
Can I stop the other parent from moving with my child?
Under the Oklahoma Relocation Statute, if a parent intends to move more than 75 miles away from their current residence, they must provide written notice 60 days in advance. You have 30 days to file an objection in Tulsa County District Court. If you object, the moving parent must prove the move is in "good faith" and the "best interests" of the child. Relocation cases are highly technical; we provide immediate "Relocation Injunction" services for Tulsa parents who have received a move notice.
How do I change my child custody order in Tulsa?
To modify a custody order in Oklahoma, you must prove a permanent, substantial and material change in circumstances that affects the child's welfare. This is known as the Gibbons standard. Common reasons in Tulsa include a parent's relocation, substance abuse issues, or a significant change in the child's educational or medical needs. We specialize in "Custody Modifications," helping clients gather the necessary evidence to meet the high legal burden required by Tulsa County judges.
What are the "Best Interests of the Child" factors in Tulsa?
Tulsa judges evaluate several factors to determine "best interests," including the child's emotional bond with each parent, the stability of each home environment, any history of domestic violence, and the parent most likely to allow the child frequent contact with the other parent. For children 12 or older, the judge may also consider the child's own preference. We prepare our clients for "Best Interest Hearings" by focusing on the specific evidentiary factors that Tulsa County GALs (Guardians ad Litem) look for during their investigations.
How does an unmarried father get custody in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, an unmarried mother has legal custody by default. To gain custody or visitation rights, an unmarried father must first establish legal paternity. This can be done via an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or a court order. Once paternity is established, the father can petition the Tulsa court for a formal custody and support order under the same "best interest" standards as married parents. Our firm assists Tulsa fathers in navigating the Uniform Parentage Act to secure their parental rights and establish enforceable visitation schedules.
At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, there is no specific age at which a child has the absolute right to "choose." However, under 43 O.S. § 113, if a child is 12 years of age or older, the judge is required to consider the child's preference regarding custody or visitation. The court may consider the preference of a younger child if they are deemed "of sufficient age to form an intelligent preference." At Boeheim Freeman Law, we frequently assist parents in preparing for "judicial interviews" where a Tulsa judge speaks with the child in chambers to determine the weight of their preference.
What is the difference between Joint and Sole Custody?
Joint Custody means both parents share the right to make major decisions regarding the child's education, healthcare, and religion. Sole Custody grants that decision-making authority to one parent only. It is important to note that legal custody (decision-making) is separate from physical custody (where the child lives). Many of our Tulsa clients mistakenly believe "Joint Custody" means no child support — this is a common myth we help clarify during initial strategy sessions.
If we have 50/50 custody, do I still have to pay child support?
Possibly. In Oklahoma, child support is calculated using a Shared Parenting Formula if both parents have the child for at least 121 nights per year. While 50/50 custody significantly reduces the support amount, the higher-earning parent may still be required to pay a monthly amount to the lower-earning parent to ensure the child maintains a similar standard of living in both homes. We use specialized Tulsa County child support calculators to give our clients an exact estimate of their potential obligations under the 2026 guidelines.
What makes a parent "unfit" in the eyes of a Tulsa judge?
A parent is generally considered "unfit" if their behavior poses a direct threat to the child's well-being. Factors include documented substance abuse, a history of domestic violence, neglect, or living conditions that are unsafe. In Tulsa, judges look for recent and verifiable evidence, such as police reports, DHS investigations, or failed drug tests. We help clients gather the "admissible evidence" (not just hearsay) required to prove unfitness in a contested Tulsa custody trial.
What is the emergency "Ex Parte" custody process in Tulsa?
If your child is in immediate danger of physical harm or being removed from the state, you must file for an Ex Parte Emergency Order in Tulsa County. This allows a judge to grant you temporary sole custody without the other parent present. A full hearing must then be held within 10 to 20 days to determine if the order remains in place. Our team specializes in rapid filings at the Tulsa County District Court, often getting protective orders and emergency custody signed within the same business day.
Can I get a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) appointed to my Tulsa case?
Yes. In high-conflict Tulsa custody cases involving allegations of abuse or neglect, you can request that the court appoint a Guardian ad Litem. The GAL is an attorney who represents the "best interests" of the child, conducts an independent investigation (including home visits), and submits a formal recommendation to the judge. We frequently work with the most respected GALs in the 14th Judicial District, ensuring that our clients' side of the story is accurately represented during the investigation phase.
What do I do if the other parent is violating our custody order?
If a parent is refusing visitation or violating the "Right of First Refusal," you should file an Application for Contempt of Court. In Tulsa, the court can enforce the order through fines, makeup visitation time, or even jail time. In 2026, judges are increasingly strict with parents who use "parental alienation" tactics to ignore court-ordered schedules. We don't just win custody; we enforce it. Our firm specializes in Contempt Proceedings to ensure that your court-ordered parenting time is respected.
Ready to Protect What Matters Most?
Contact Boeheim Freeman Law today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced child custody attorney in Tulsa.
Schedule Your Free Consultation