Understanding Initial Child Custody Jurisdiction in Oklahoma
Hi, I’m OKC custody attorney Dillan Savage with Wirth Law Office, practicing primarily in Oklahoma City. Today, I want to discuss initial child custody jurisdiction — a topic that can become complex quickly.
The key question is: Which state has the authority to decide custody? Generally, Oklahoma has jurisdiction if the child resided here at the time the custody case was filed. However, things can get tricky if the child has recently lived in another state.
Determining Custody Jurisdiction
Here’s the rule of thumb: If the child has lived in another state for six months before the case is filed, that state likely has jurisdiction. If the child is under six months old and was born in Oklahoma and has lived here since birth, Oklahoma likely has jurisdiction.
If all parties agree, or if another state declines jurisdiction, Oklahoma may still be the proper venue, especially if there are strong ties to this state. The law that governs this is Title 43, Section 551-201 — known as Initial Child Custody Jurisdiction.
Consult a Legal Professional
Again, this is a nuanced area of law. It’s best to speak directly with an attorney if you’re unsure which state has jurisdiction over your case. If this was helpful, or you think someone else could benefit from it, visit theoklahomacityattorney.com.
Schedule a Low-Cost Consultation Today!
I’m Oklahoma City family attorney Dillan Savage — thanks for watching. For personalized assistance with your child custody concerns, contact me at 405-888-5400 to schedule a low-cost consultation.
