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15 Child Custody Factors Every Parent Should Consider Before Divorce

Written by Ball Morse Lowe | November 24, 2025

When children are part of a divorce, every decision becomes more complex. Custody isn’t just about where a child lives — it impacts nearly every part of their life: their schooling, health care, holidays, and even how parents communicate after separation. 

With so many details to work through, it’s essential to understand the key Oklahoma custody factors that parents should discuss before filing for divorce.  

 

Factor 1: Types of Custody 

In Oklahoma child custody cases, there are two primary forms of custody: 

  • Legal Custody – Who makes important decisions about education, health care, and religion. 

Parents may share joint custody or one parent may be granted sole custody, depending on what’s best for the child. Every family’s situation is unique, and the right arrangement will depend on your child’s needs, your co-parenting relationship, and your ability to communicate effectively. 

If you’re unsure what arrangement makes sense for your family, speaking with a custody attorney in Oklahoma can help you understand your options and protect your parental rights. 

 

Factors 2 & 3: Types of Visitation and Visitation Schedules 

Once custody is determined, the next step is establishing a visitation schedule, often called parenting time. Common visitation arrangements include: 

  • Standard Visitation – Every other weekend, half of holidays, and half of summer. 
  • Equal Visitation – Typically one week on, one week off, in joint custody cases. 
  • Supervised Visitation – Required when safety or consistency is a concern. 
  • Long-Distance Plans – Modified schedules for parents who live far apart. 

Every family’s circumstances are different. The right plan should fit your child’s needs, your work schedules, and your ability to co-parent,  not just a standard court template. A custody lawyer in Oklahoma can help you build a plan that supports both your child’s stability and your parental goals. 

 

Want to See the Other 12 Considerations? 

These are just the first few child custody factors every parent should discuss before a divorce. Our full guide dives deeper into key topics like child expenses, education, health coverage, holidays, travel, and more — all designed to help you co-parent with confidence and protect your child’s future. 

Submit the form below to download the full PDF guide now!