Navigating a divorce can be one of the most complicated and emotional events of your life. It’s understandable to have no clue where to even start. After all, you may not have been able to prepare for this. There are so many elements you must consider, including the well-being of your children. They may be just as confused, scared, and angry as you are, but without the emotional maturity to deal with it. A Tulsa divorce lawyer can help you put together a plan.

Asking for help in a divorce is not a weakness. It’s very much a strength. You want to make sure you don’t make any costly mistakes or damage your relationship with your kids. You may end up being so focused on getting through your divorce unscathed that you lose sight of how your kids are dealing with everything. Your lawyer can help you make a plan to help your kids by prioritizing their emotions, among other things. They will need your guidance through this.

Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

As you deal with the fallout of your divorce, you want to make sure you have the right kind of legal support by your side the entire time. A good divorce lawyer’s help is invaluable, especially if your divorce is contested. We can provide your case with a personalized, empathetic, and dedicated approach. At Stange Law Firm, our multi-state legal team has helped countless clients across many different states handle their divorces. We can help you, too.

According to recent statistical data collected by the Centers for Disease Control, Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of divorce in the country at 3.7 per 1,000 residents as of 2022. At the same time, the state has a considerably high rate of marriage at 6.1 per 1,000 residents as of 2022, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Recognizing the divorce and marriage trends of your state can make it easier to file. You are not alone in this.

As you face every aspect of your divorce, it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself should be your top priority. You won’t be able to be a consistent presence for your kids if you are falling apart. There’s nothing that says you have to handle your divorce on your own. You may want to consider reaching out to a local divorce support group like DivorceCare or Healing Through Divorce. Talking to people who are dealing with similar trauma can be helpful.

Protecting Your Kids’ Interests

You should always keep in mind that you will not be the only one affected by your divorce. Your divorce is going to impact everyone in your life, including your family, friends, colleagues, and especially your kids. Everything about their lives is about to change. A divorce is far from just a signature on a piece of paper and a division of assets. 

You will ultimately be the one to decide how honest you are with your kids about this. Here are some steps you can take to protect them:

  • The first thing you have to do is tell your kids you are getting divorced. If possible, it’s recommended that you do this with your spouse. It may be painful or even uncomfortable, but representing a united front can be good for your kids and let them know that while things are changing, both parents will still be there for them. This can help your child feel better about trusting each of you equally.
  • Don’t speak ill of the other parent to your kids. Even if your partner betrayed you in the worst way, you shouldn’t take that out on your kids. Not only could that shatter your kids’ faith in their other parent, but it could also lead to your partner accusing you of parental alienation. If they can prove it, that could alter the custody arrangement in your spouse’s favor. 

FAQs

Q: Should I Be Honest With My Kids About My Divorce?

A: While it is generally accepted that you should be honest with your kids about your divorce, it’s up to you to decide just how honest you are going to be. If your divorce happens because of your spouse’s infidelity, that may not be an appropriate thing to talk about with your kids. Children can be perceptive, and they may be able to tell when you’re not being truthful. Lying to your kids can lead to resentment.

Q: How Is Child Custody Determined in Oklahoma?

A: Child custody is determined in Oklahoma by the family court. Above all, the court must consider the needs of the child. Nothing matters more than the needs of the child, including both parents’ requests for custody. The court may willfully ignore those requests to prioritize the child’s welfare. The court may elect to push for joint custody to ensure both parents continue to play an equal part in raising their child.

Q: Which Parent Will Get Custody?

A: There is no way to determine which parent will get custody of their child before the court can launch an investigation into your case. In Oklahoma, both parents are seen as equal contributors to child-rearing. The court will investigate each parent’s bond with the child, their criminal history, and their financial security to determine who is a better fit for custody. Neither parent is automatically considered the caregiver before the investigation is done.

Q: Should I Get a Divorce Lawyer?

A: Yes, you should always get a divorce lawyer. You never know what could happen in your divorce. The process can easily become unpredictable, painful, and emotional. You should always have an experienced divorce lawyer by your side as you move through this process. The right lawyer’s help can make all the difference in your case.

Reach Out to a Divorce Lawyer Today

Prioritizing your kids’ well-being can be one of the most important things you handle during your divorce. There’s no telling what could happen in a contentious divorce. An experienced divorce lawyer can assist you in making a parenting plan, working out custody arrangements, and enforcing them. At Stange Law Firm, we can help you work through your divorce. Contact us to speak with a member of our team about your case.