Understanding Your Legal Rights Regarding Child Custody
Hello, my name is Dillan Savage of Wirth Law Office – Oklahoma City. Today we are going to be talking about your options in the event a third party prevents you or denies you your time with your child. Oklahoma has actually created a statute for this under Title 43, Section 111.2, called Civil Action for Child Stealing.
In situations where a third party, not directly involved in your custody matter—whether due to paternity, divorce, or other reasons—takes your child and denies your court-ordered visitation, there are legal remedies available. While there are criminal implications for taking someone’s child and denying them access, a criminal case does not address the losses you may incur, such as the time spent trying to retrieve your child or the legal fees incurred.
Legal Recourse for Denied Access to Your Child
This statute allows you to pursue a civil lawsuit against the individuals who interfere with your custody rights. In this case, you can seek reimbursement for the time you were denied with your child, as well as damages for loss of service, society, and companionship. The calculation for damages is often based on the amount of time you were unable to spend with your child or children.
Additionally, you can recover compensatory damages for the reasonable expenses incurred while trying to locate your child. This can include hiring a private investigator or any lost wages from taking time off work. Moreover, if you prevail in your lawsuit, the court may also award you your reasonable attorney’s fees, making it more feasible to pursue your rights.
Exploring All Available Options
It’s important to note that civil actions are not solely contingent on criminal prosecutions. If a third party interferes with your custody arrangement, there are multiple pathways to ensure you are compensated for any disruptions. These legal avenues can help restore your rights and make you whole again after such an unsettling experience.
If you found this video to be helpful or you believe it can help somebody else, please visit lawyers in Oklahoma City. Again, my name is Dillan Savage of Wirth Law Office. Thank you for watching.
Schedule a Low-Cost Consultation Today
If you’re facing challenges regarding your custody rights, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us at 405-888-5400 for a low-cost consultation and get the guidance you need to protect your rights and your relationship with your child.
