Sole Custody | Child Custody Attorneys OKC

Sole Custody in Oklahoma

When a child’s future is at the center of a custody case, every decision carries deep emotional and legal weight. In Oklahoma, sole custody means one parent has the exclusive right to make major decisions for the child — from education and healthcare to general welfare. It’s a serious responsibility that requires careful consideration and clear guidance.

No two custody cases are alike. The circumstances that lead to a request for sole custody are often complex and deeply personal. That’s why it’s important to have a legal team that understands both the law and the human side of these situations.

At Ball Morse Lowe, our family law attorneys help parents understand their rights and options while keeping the child’s best interests at the heart of every step. We approach each case with empathy, clarity, and strategic focus — working tirelessly to build a path forward that protects what matters most: your child’s well-being.

Sole Custody in Oklahoma – Frequently Asked Questions

What does sole custody mean in Oklahoma?

Sole custody means one parent has the exclusive right to make major decisions about a child’s life, including education, medical care, and general welfare. The other parent may still have visitation rights, but they don’t share in legal decision-making.

How is sole custody different from joint custody?

In joint custody, both parents share responsibility for making decisions that affect the child’s life. In sole custody, only one parent has that authority. The decision between one parent having sole custody or both parents sharing joint custody often comes down to what the court determines is in the child’s best interests.

Is there such a thing as sole legal custody and sole physical custody?

Both situations of sole legal custody and sole physical custody exist. Between the two there are legal distinctions that are established by law. Understanding the rights involved is crucial. In some cases, you can have joint legal custody but sole physical custody. Under this arrangement, you must know what laws you are dealing with and how to work within them.

For sole legal custody, only one parent makes major life decisions regarding the child’s well-being and upbringing. Normally under sole legal custody, the other parent cannot make decisions on behalf of the child but maintains the right to remain informed and involved. The parent with sole legal custody does not have to confer or come to an agreement with the other parent prior to making decisions regarding the child but normally has to keep the other parent abreast of what is going on with the child.

For sole physical custody, the child resides with one parent. Visitation under sole physical custody can be afforded to the other parent, unless the court determines it is unsafe. Child support, then, may become an issue.

Does sole custody mean the other parent can’t see the child? Not necessarily. Even when one parent has sole custody, the other parent may still have visitation or parenting time, unless the court determines that contact is not in the child’s best interest.

When do Oklahoma courts grant sole custody?

Courts consider sole custody when there are concerns about a parent’s ability to provide a safe and stable environment — such as issues involving neglect, abuse, substance misuse, or consistent instability. Every case is unique, and the court’s main focus is always the child’s well-being.

Can a parent lose sole custody once it’s granted? Yes. If circumstances change significantly — for example, if the other parent becomes more stable or capable — the court may modify custody arrangements. Either parent can request a custody modification, the requested changes may be approved if the court determines the changes are in the child’s best interest.

Do mothers or fathers have a better chance of getting sole custody? Oklahoma law does not favor mothers or fathers. Custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests, not gender. The court looks at factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, stability, and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs.

How much does it cost to file for sole custody in Oklahoma? The cost of a sole custody case depends on several factors — including whether the case is contested, how much negotiation or court time is involved, and whether additional issues like child support or visitation are being addressed. At Ball Morse Lowe, we’re upfront about costs from the start and work to create clear, efficient legal strategies that respect your time and resources.

What rights does a parent with sole custody have? A parent with sole custody has the right to make decisions about the child’s health, education, religious upbringing, and day-to-day care. They are also responsible for providing a stable and nurturing environment for the child.

Can I get sole custody without going to court? No. Sole custody must be granted by a court order. Even if parents agree on custody arrangements, the court must approve them to ensure they meet the child’s best interests.

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Sole Custody in Oklahoma

Sole Custody in Oklahoma – Frequently Asked Questions

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