Seeking an attorney for a post-decree modification to your custody arrangements? We’re ready to step in.
Creative Solutions for Challenging Custody Problems in Oklahoma
Protecting Your Relationship with Your Children
Even after a child custody order is finalized, life rarely stands still. New jobs, relocations, changing school needs, or evolving family dynamics can make an existing custody arrangement unworkable. If your circumstances—or your child’s—have changed, you may need to modify your custody order to reflect what’s best for your family today.
Post-decree custody modifications can be complicated, but understanding your rights and the steps involved is the first step toward creating a plan that truly serves your child’s well-being and your role as a parent.
When changes in life call for changes in your custody arrangement, having the right advocate by your side can make all the difference. At Ball Morse Lowe, we guide parents across Oklahoma through every stage of custody modifications — from understanding your options to building a strategy that protects your parental rights and your child’s best interests. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal process with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward a custody plan that truly fits your family’s future.
Specialized Solutions for All Types of Custody Challenges
Our team of Family Law attorneys specializes in matters relating to custody arrangement and post-decree modifications and can help you work towards whatever type of arrangement is in your family’s best interests – from legal and physical custody to pursuing joint or sole custody.
Sole Custody
Sole custody gives one parent full legal and/or physical responsibility for the child.
Joint Custody
Joint custody allows both parents to share legal and/or physical custody.
Dedicated Advocates for Your Child’s Best Interests
Modifying custody arrangements can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. You and your child deserve an attorney who will stand firmly by your side, protecting your rights and guiding you toward a resolution that supports your family’s well-being.How Modifying Custody Arrangements in Oklahoma Works
When your family’s circumstances change, your custody arrangement may need to change too. In Oklahoma, modifying a child custody order—known as a post-decree custody modification—requires showing that a significant change has occurred and that a new arrangement would better serve your child’s best interests. Here’s what you can expect when seeking a post-modification decree for your custody arrangement:
- 1. Connect, Consult, Retain
- 2. Identify Change in Circumstances
- 3. File a Motion
- 4. Notify the Other Parent
- 5. Court Review and New Custody Order
Connect, Consult, Retain
Reach out to our team to schedule your free consultation. Once you’ve determined if we’re a fit and you’ve retained Ball Morse Lowe as your child custody lawyer, you’ll immediately be referred to your new legal team to get started.
Identify a Substantial Change in Circumstances
Before a court will consider a modification, you must show that a significant change has occurred since the original order — such as relocation, changes in a parent’s lifestyle, or the child’s evolving needs.
File a Motion to Modify Custody
The parent seeking modification must formally petition the court, outlining the changes in circumstances and explaining why a new arrangement better serves the child’s best interests.
Serve the Other Parent and Attend Hearings
The other parent must be notified of the motion, and both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony during court hearings.
Court Review and New Custody Order
The judge evaluates all evidence and determines whether the modification supports the child’s welfare. If approved, a new custody order replaces the previous order or custody portion of your divorce decree.
Your Questions Answered
What types of child custody are recognized in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the primary types of child custody are legal and physical. Legal custody relates to decision-making authority regarding the child's upbringing, including education and healthcare. Physical custody refers to where the child resides.
What’s the difference between legal and physical custody?
In Oklahoma, legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make important decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and overall upbringing, while physical custody determines where the child lives and who provides daily care. Legal custody can be shared by both parents or granted to one, and physical custody may be arranged so the child primarily resides with one parent or divides time between both homes
How is child custody determined in Oklahoma?
The court considers the child's best interests when determining custody arrangements. Factors such as each parent's ability to provide a stable environment, their willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent, and their own preferences (if they are of sufficient age and maturity) may be considered.
How do sole and joint custody differ?
Sole custody and joint custody differ mainly in how parental decision-making is shared. Sole custody gives one parent the authority to make major decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and general welfare—though the other parent still has the right to stay informed and involved. Joint custody, by contrast, allows both parents to share in those key decisions and maintain active roles in the child’s life, requiring cooperation and communication to serve the child’s best interests.
Can joint custody be granted in Oklahoma?
Yes. Joint custody can be granted in Oklahoma if the court determines that both parents are fit and proper to share legal and/or physical custody of the child. Joint custody can be legal, physical, or both, depending on the circumstances.
Can child custody orders be modified in Oklahoma?
Child custody orders can be modified in Oklahoma, but there must be a substantial change in circumstances to warrant a modification. This change could relate to a parent's relocation, a change in the child's needs, or other relevant factors.
What is the role of a mediator in child custody cases?
A mediator is a neutral third party who helps parents come to an agreement on custody and visitation issues outside of court. Mediation can be a helpful alternative to litigation, allowing parents to work together to find solutions in the child's best interests.
When can a child choose who they live with in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, a child doesn’t have the legal right to choose which parent to live with, but once they reach about 12 years old, the court may consider their preference as part of the custody decision. The judge will weigh the child’s wishes alongside their maturity and understanding of the situation, always focusing on what best supports the child’s overall well-being.
Where does Ball Morse Lowe provide Child Custody services?
Our Family Law team serves 32 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. Although our office locations are primarily in central Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, and Stillwater.
We can accept Child Custody cases filed in the following counties: Beckham County, Blaine County, Bryan County, Caddo County, Canadian County, Carter County, Cleveland County, Comanche County, Custer County, Garfield County, Garvin County, Grady County, Kay County, Kingfisher County, Jackson County, Lincoln County, Logan County, Love County, Marshall County, McClain County, Murray County, Noble County, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma County, Pawnee County, Payne County, Pontotoc County, Pottawatomie County, Roger Mills County, Seminole County, Stephens County, Washita County
We can accept Child Custody cases filed in the following counties: Beckham County, Blaine County, Bryan County, Caddo County, Canadian County, Carter County, Cleveland County, Comanche County, Custer County, Garfield County, Garvin County, Grady County, Kay County, Kingfisher County, Jackson County, Lincoln County, Logan County, Love County, Marshall County, McClain County, Murray County, Noble County, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma County, Pawnee County, Payne County, Pontotoc County, Pottawatomie County, Roger Mills County, Seminole County, Stephens County, Washita County