Understanding Child Custody Preferences in Oklahoma Cases
Hello, my name is Dillan Savage of Wirth Law Office – Oklahoma City. Today we are going to be talking about child preference in a custody and custodial matter. In Oklahoma, a child can express their preference regarding which parent they wish to live with during a custody case.
However, for the court to take that preference into consideration, the child must be at least 12 years old. If you have a child who wishes to live with a specific parent, they can communicate that preference to the court, which will consider it during the custody proceedings.
How Courts Evaluate Child Preference
If a child expresses a desire to live with one parent, the court will assess whether there are any threats to the child’s safety in doing so. If the court finds that there are no risks involved, it will generally honor the child’s preference. This means that the child’s wishes can significantly influence the outcome of the custody arrangement.
However, it’s important to note that if the court determines that honoring the child’s preference would not be in their best interest, it may choose not to follow that preference. In such cases, the court prioritizes the child’s safety over their expressed wishes.
Best Interests of the Child
To summarize, Oklahoma courts will consider the preferences of children aged 12 and older in custody matters. Nonetheless, the ultimate decision will always hinge upon what is deemed to be in the best interest of the child. If honoring the child’s preference poses any potential harm, the court will likely disregard that preference in favor of the child’s welfare.
If you found this information useful or believe it could help someone else, please visit theoklahomacityattorney.com. Again, my name is Dillan Savage at Wirth Law Office, and thank you for watching.
Get Professional Guidance Today
If you are facing a custody matter and need expert legal advice, consider scheduling a low-cost consultation with us. Call 405-888-5400 to discuss your situation with a qualified attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of custody cases.
