step children

Since you are not the birth mother of the child, it will help if the child in question chooses to spend time with you. The Oklahoma legislature passed a law in 2002 giving children age 12 or older more input in custody and visitation decisions. The statute says judges decide if the best interests of a child are served by that child’s own choices and if not, why not.  The matter will almost certainly be decided by the court unless you and your ex can work out an agreement beforehand that is approved by all parties involved including the child.

Oklahoma law requires those involved in custody decisions to attend divorce education seminars. The 4-hour seminars cover many areas of the impact of parenting and the responsibility for children. Contact your local County Court Clerk’s Office for more information or visit http://www.ok.gov/.

-The Divorce.com Team

Wendy Jaffe and Divorce.com can only provide general information about divorce. DO NOT RELY ON MS. JAFFE'S ADVICE ALONE. Before acting on information provided by Ms. Jaffe or by Divorce.com, talk to an attorney first about your particular facts and the law of your state. By submitting your question to Divorce.com, you are not creating an attorney/client relationship with Ms. Jaffe or with any of the other attorneys listed on this site.